I loved watching him work in the studio. It's like he would become a whole different person. The music literally took control over his body and he'd always dance effortlessly around the booth. I swear, hearing this man sing did something to me! His harmonies were out of this world and he made it look so damn easy! Here I was, sitting in the control room next to his producer in complete awe of his enormous talent. I felt my face flush as I continued watching him grind his hips in sync with the music. I slowly let my mind wander off but it wasn't until I heard Quincy's voice speak in the mic, snap me out of my dirty thoughts. "Alright Smelly! Let's take 5" Taking off his headphones, Michael answered back "Alright Q" In case you're wondering, I'm working as an intern at Epic Records for the winter. I'm studying a major in music and engineering for college. I had absolutely NO idea where I'd end up but somehow Epic had an opening and I immediately replied and got accepted.....talk about luck! I was super excited to see exactly what artist I'd get and was even more surprised with who I got paired up with.....Quincy was explaining something to me about managing controls while I frantically scribbled everything down in my little notebook, my glasses sliding off my nose. Strolling out of the booth, Michael walked over towards where we were and laughed, probably at me of course.  "What'd you tell the kid Q?! You've got her writin a damn novel" he joked. I let out a sigh. The people I was working for in case you didn't already know were Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. It was for Michael's third solo album entitled 'Bad'. It was early 1987 and this album was expected to come out sometime around August later this year. It was January now so we had about 7 months to get this baby ready and released. When I told everyone who I'd be working for, they all were beyond jealous and shocked. "Michael Jackson?! You're really working with Michael Jackson?!" They'd say and I'd shyly nod my head yes. Everyone then would go on and on about telling me how lucky I was to be working with MJ but to be honest, I didn't really see what all the fuss was about. I mean sure, Michael was crazy talented but behind closed doors he was a complete ass especially towards me. He tried to act like such a sweet angel in public but that image was just a bunch of bs if you asked me! That was all an act he'd put on. I saw through it and I knew Quincy did to but he'd never say anything because Michael was never rude to him....but with me? That was a different story...."Alright I'm gonna head out for lunch. Mike you want anything?" Quincy asked. He grabbed his stuff and began to walk out. Michael shook his head as he took a seat next to me. I felt my body go stiff. "Nah, I'm not hungry Q" he said. "What about you bambi? You want somethin?" Bambi was a nickname Quincy had given me because of my big doe like eyes and quiet nature. My real name was actually Hazel. "No I'm okay. Thank you though" I replied, going back to writing in my notebook. After Quincy left, Michael and I were alone however I ignored him while continuing writing, getting lost in my thoughts. "Hey" Michael called out but I didn't answer. I was in my own little word at the moment. "Yo big bird!" He yelled. Now THAT caught my attention. I hated being called that ever since I was a child. It's not my fault I was born really tall. I quickly looked up, only to find him smirking at me. I wanted so badly to slap that stupid smirk off his face. "I, I have a name you know" I managed to force out, surprising myself and Michael as well. Where'd that sudden boldness come from? "Oh yeah? Well it sure ain't no damn Bambi! I honestly don't understand why the hell Quincy calls you that. You look NOTHING like it." Michael said as he got up to walk away but not before turning around and making loud bird noises at me, letting out a loud cackling laugh. I stood up, packing up my belongings in my bag. "You're a jerk. You know that?" Michael turned around, still laughing. "Oh I know. But it's not like you can do anything about it. Say one bad thing and you'll be fired by the morning sweetheart" Michael faked a smile. I didn't reply but could feel myself fuming as I turned on my heels and left the studio. I needed a break. Hopefully Quincy would understand.....

When I returned the next day I felt horrible. I had woken up with a cold but still decided to come in the studio. It also didn't help that the weather outside was below freezing (see this is exactly why I couldn't STAND the winter) making my cold feel a thousand times worse. I wore black jeans with a long grey wool turtle neck sweater. My black hair was up in a ponytail. The glasses I wore were also starting to fog up due to the cold. While sitting in the studio, I placed my head in my hands, letting out a groan. Not even Michael's singing could make me feel better. "Aw what's wrong bam? You feelin sick?" Quincy asked concerned. I raised my head from my hands. "I'm okay Quincy, really" I lied, giving a weak smile. Of course Quincy didn't buy it. "I think we should end early for today. You don't look too good" he said, cutting off the music ans speaking into the microphone. "Smelly that's enough for today. We'll finish up the track tomorrow!" From the silence that setting in the booth, I knew all hell was about to break loose. My heart began to pound in my chest as I watched Michael took off his headphones (well more like slammed them to the ground) and stormed out of the booth. I've come to realize that Michael Jackson is a total perfectionist and can't stand when his precious studio time is interrupted. Quincy can't either but at least he's considerate and sympathetic for those who aren't feeling well unlike Michael who doesn't give two shits! I mean I'm sitting here literally coughing my lungs out, nose runny, and perhaps maybe a fever and he STILL doesn't care! And let the drama king start royal bitching in 3.....2....."Come ON Q! We have a deadline man, we've gotta finish this track by tonight! All I have to do is add a couple more vocals for layering and we'll be good!" Michael said, looking over at Quincy not even acknowledging my sick presence. Quincy let out a easy laugh. "Mike relax! I know we're on a deadline but we'll get it finished by tomorrow! Besides bambi's has to go home. She's not feeling too well" Michael then glared over at me. I kept my vision on the black boots I wore. I could still feel his eyes on me for another good ten seconds before he finally spoke again. "Quincy she looks fine to me. She's probably just faking it. And why the hell is she here anyway? It's because of HER we're not gonna finish this album on time!" Now that's when I looked up. I was beyond shocked but also hurt when Michael said that. He didn't even know why I was here?! Didn't Quincy tell him?? "I told you already, Hazel's here for her college internship but she's really sick, she's gotta go home now-" "HOW THE FUCK WOULD YOU KNOW?!" Michael yelled startling Quincy and myself. What the hell crawled up in his ass and died? "Alright Michael you need to relax. You're getting upset for NO reason" Quincy said sternly. Michael let out a frustrated sigh, ruinning a hand threw his black curls. "Q you KNOW how I don't like other people in the studio besides us. You should've never agreed to do that intern crap. It's complete bullshit and you know it! At least pick a student who isn't complete idiot!" With that, Michael stormed out of the studio, leaving behind a speechless Quincy and me almost on the verge of tears. Quincy looked over at me, I was biting hard on my bottom lip to keep the tears from falling. I didn't want to look like a baby since in Michael's eyes I was already seen as that. Quincy let out a sigh. "Don't let him get to you, Hazel. He's just.....in one of his MOODS.....yeah, he's definitely in one of those diva moods today" I cracked a small smile, sniffling. "Maybe this was a bad idea....for me to intern here" I said softly, my voice quivering. Great. I hate whenever it'd do that. It was just a sign that I was about a second close from fully breaking completely down. Quincy dismissed that with the wave of his hand. "Nonsense! Believe me you're staying whether Michael likes it or not. It's still the beginning of January. We've  still got a looooong way to go before your internship is over but I would love for you to stay. Michael usually means well, even if sometimes he can be an annoying little ass. I'll handle him. Just work on, well your work alright?" I nodded. The two of us got up out of our chairs and to my surprise Quincy embraced me with a huge hug. "Bambi you better not get me sick!" he joked. I laughed while reassuring him. "I'll try!" We packed up our things and left the studio. While driving back to the college dorm that night I replayed what Quincy had said. He was right. I was gonna have to stay. I worked to damn hard to get this internship to just up and quit because of some bratty pop star. I have to stay until the 'Bad' album is finished and released in late August.....Then I'll NEVER have to see Michael Jackson again. As I pulled up into the parking lot and walk into my dorm, I smile. 'Why can't it just be August already?!' I thought in my mind as I quickly put my pjs on and go to bed.

Coming into the studio the next morning I felt a lot better (tons of cough medicine and dayquil were my best friend that night!) Michael on the other hand looked absolutely sick as a dog. Maybe it was perhaps karma? I couldn't help the little wicked smile I wore now and then on my features as I watched him cough and sneeze. It seemed like he had gotten the same cold I had, only worse. At one point, Michael rushed out from the recording booth claiming he needed 'a break'. It was actually because he had thrown up in the garbage can out in the hallway. "Quick listen bam" I heard Quincy whisper as he turned down the track music. Sure enough, the sound of Michael coughing and gaging could be heard loud and clear. After 20 minutes of releasing his stomachly fluids, Michael finally resurfaced back in the studio, looking like some sort of zombie extra from thriller. Quincy and I looked up from the controls. "Damn smelly! You look horrible!" I giggled, looking down at the notebook in my hands. "Oh so you think this is funny huh big bird?" Michael said, coughing as he glared over at me. I quickly cleared my throat. "No not at all Michael" "Jackson" "Excuse me?" I knew what his last name was....the hell? "Mr. Jackson. that's what you'll call me from now on, not Michael" Michael barked, blowing his nose in some tissue. Who the hell does he think he is?! "How'd you even get sick?" Quincy chipped in, trying to change the subject. Letting out a tired sigh, Michael rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Tati's been sick for a few days now.....probably got it from her" That's right. I forgot he was dating Tatiana Thutzban now. She was big in the modelling industry. Sure, I thought she was pretty but I always thought his previous girlfriend, now ex, actress Brooke Shields was much prettier but who am I to judge? "Oh okay I thought maybe bambi might've given it to you" Quincy joked, nudging my shoulder. Michael shook his head, a look of pure disgust on his features. "Yeah right! I'm not even close enough to her on a daily basis to get sick....and I definitely don't plan on being anytime soon" he said and I felt hurt all over. Here we go again....Ugh why did he have to be such a jerk to me all the time?! I did absolutely NOTHING to deserve it! Not being able to take it anymore, I stood up from my chair, slamming my yellow notebook down on the table. I looked Michael straight in the eye as I calmly said "Go to hell Michael" The studio had gone silent. I could tell Quincy was trying hard with all his might not to laugh at my little sudden outburst of confidence. Michael however, looked like he was gonna slap the shit outta me. "You don't talk to me like that you bird! Somebody needs to teach you how to respect older people! WHAT ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING!!!!" Michael yelled and I swear that last part triggered something to release in me. I snapped. "FIRST OF ALL...." I yelled right back, so angry I started to see red. "Jackson I DO respect older people! I have TONS of respect for Quincy but you?! Please! You act like such a freakin annoying brat! Always whining and complaining! I'm 8 years younger than you for crying out loud yet I'm MUCH MORE mature than you'll EVER be so don't come at me with that bullcrap. Second of all, I HAVE A NAME!! It's Hazel or is that too hard for your brain to register? HAAA-ZEEEEL! H. A .Z .E .L STOP calling me big bird because I FUCKING HATE IT!!!" I felt the tears sting my eyes but refused to let them fall. Quincy stared at me, his eyes wide with surprise but also admiration because I had finally stood up for myself. Michael looked angrier than before if that was even possible. He was PISSED. He had taken a few steps towards where I stood. "Listen you little bi-" Michael started to say but his speech was cut short by a loud gurgle followed by screams from Quincy and I as I saw the warm thick liquid spill out like a fountain, soaking into my jeans, my white long sleeved shirt and multi colored scarf. I looked down in horror, staring at the freshly vomit that had just came from Michael's mouth. I can't believe he had actually thrown up on me. "Seriously Michael?!" Quincy angrily yelled, getting up. He reached for some paper towels. I put my hands up, shaking a bit because they were covered in it as well. Just great. "It's fine. I'll just uh, go to the bathroom" I said, embarrassed as I took off running out in the hallway and into the girls bathroom, locking myself in and crying. The smell was unbearable and it literally had gotten EVERYWHERE. Ugh why couldn't he have just ran out and headed for the stupid garbage can?! And this was a brand new scarf too! As I cleaned myself up (took almost an hour), I almost got sick because it was so disgusting. I had brought my backpack in the bathroom with me. Inside of it was a pair of extra pyjamas (this was because I remembered Quincy saying how there might be some times we'd have to stay overnight in the studio in order to finish up the remaining tracks for the album) My pyjamas consisted of a pair of grey cotton shorts and my favorite pink hello kitty t-shirt I had gotten from Tokyo, Japan. After getting dressed, I placed the other ruined clothes in a garbage bag. I put my hair up in a bun and tucked my glasses in the v neck of my shirt. While walking back into the studio room I couldn't help but notice how unbelievably silent it was. Where was Quincy? "Hello?" I called out, setting my backpack on the floor. There was a note left on the table. Picking it up, I read it:'Hey Bambi! Listen, I know you're probably still cleaning up in the bathroom and once again I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier. Believe me when I say I had a real good chat with Michael. He promised me he wouldn't bother you anymore. Honestly I don't know what the hell's his problem. If anything, I heard on the down low that him and Tatiana are having issues right now, hence why he's been acting like such an ass to you. I would've stayed longer but my wife called. There was a family emergency with one of my girls Rashida so I had to leave immediately. I have no idea where Michael is though. He was gone before I left but anyway sorry I couldn't stay! We'll work on the other tracks first thing tomorrow morning! If you leave, Don't forget to lock up the studio or you can stay the night. There's a couple of beds in the back room. Hope you're still having fun as an intern so far! -Q' I smiled, setting the note back down on the table, looking around in the empty studio. It wasn't until that moment I realized just how huge this studio actually was. In the corner of my eyes there sat a beautiful piano. I felt the sudden urge to touch the black and white keys. It had been years since I've last played. I never really told anyone about my hidden talent because I was too shy. I took a seat at the little bench, closed my eyes and let my fingertips caress the ivory keys into a familiar melody that I had loved ever since I was a child. "Lookin in my mirrrrror.....took me by surpriiiiise.....I can't help but see yooou, running often through my miiiiind....Helpless like a babyyyy....." I sang softly, letting the chords I was playing take me into another world. People have always said I could sing really well but I never truly believed it. By the time I finished the chorus of the song, getting to the 'I can't help it, if I wanted to' part I had the strangest feeling another presence was in the room, watching. I hesitantly turned around on the bench. To my surprise and horror the LAST person I wanted to see was leaned up against the wall, his arms crossed, staring at me. I nervously swallowed, my heart racing in my chest. Would he have me fired for playing his precious piano? Damn I forgot this piano was HIS and I remembered him saying how not under any circumstances was I allowed to touch it. Did he hear me singing too? Was he gonna make fun of me....again? What the hell was he still doing here anyway?! I thought Quincy said he had already left! And WHY was he in his pyjamas too?! Oh hell to the no I hope he didn't think he was gonna spend the night here! "M-Mr. Jackson I can e-explain" my voice stuttered. Smirking, Michael strolled towards me, his arms still crossed. "I-I'm sorry for playing your piano. I know I should've asked first....." I lamely apologized, feeling like an idiot. Michael put his hand up, silencing me. "Stop" he demanded, his voice surprisingly calm. "That song....." he started. "Play it again....."

"That song....." he started. "Play it again...." With trembling hands, I let my fingers begin to play the opening chords again. Michael loudly cleared his throat, making me stop. Now what? "No. With your voice. I want to hear you sing it" I felt my heart pound against my ribs. Great. He probably just wants to criticize me. Taking in a shaky breath, my fingertips caressed the piano keys again as I sang the lyrics softly. "I can't hear you" Michael said, taking a seat on the piano bench next to me. By now I was sweating bullets. This was beyond weird. Why all of the sudden he's so damn interested?! I shut my eyes, singing a bit louder, imagining that Michael wasn't there next to me. Hell, that he wasn't even in the room with me anymore! I was by myself. When I had finished the song, I still had my eyes closed, too afraid to open them. "I'm not going anywhere...." I heard Michael bark. "So you might as well open em now...." I hesitantly opened my eyes only to find him staring at me, his expression blank, unreadable. "That bad huh?" I whispered, looking down at the keys. "Damn you always put yourself down like that?" I heard Michael ask, well joke. "I must admit, That was fuckin amazing. You're really talented bird- I mean....Helen" "It's Hazel" I corrected him. "My bad, Hazel. But seriously you're really good" "Um, thanks?" I was still shocked by his compliment. "Where'd you learn to play and sing like that?" I thought for a moment. "I've uh, I've played piano since I was a child....I never really had any vocal lessons though...." I said. "Well you've got a powerful voice there" he confessed and....was he....smiling at me?! What in the actual hell?! "Why are you being to nice to me anyway?" I asked, looking down at the piano keys. I wanted to play again. Michael remained quiet before he answered. "Beacuse....Hazel you have some serious talent. I can't believe you haven't been discovered by anybody yet....." I simply shrugged my shoulders at his comment. Knowing he wasn't going to get an answer out of me, Michael turned his attention towards the piano, placing his fingers on it. "Now it's my turn...." he whispered. I watched in amazement at how delicately his slender fingers touched the ivory keys, almost with no type of effort whatsoever. I didn't even know he could play?! And he actually was sounding better than me....Noticing the look on my face, Michael smirked. "I learned when I was a child too. My grandmother taught me...before she passed on...I was still better than her at it though" Michael continued to play a tune that I wasn't familiar with but it sounded hauntingly beautiful....Achingly soulful. I glanced up at him, taking in his appearance. He looked much better now, probably finally over his stomach bug. He wore black sweats with a dark blue flannel over a white t-shirt. A grey Beenie sat perfectly on top of his head, causing a few black curls to settle over his eyes. "You look-I mean you feel better?" I asked, quickly correcting myself. Michael still playing, nodded. He brought the song to a finish. "Look, I'm uh, sorry about earlier.....you know with me getting sick...." Michael said, his eyes still locked on the piano. Oh so it's okay for him to not look me in the eye, but I have to?! "It's fine. I had the same bug you did....it was torture to say the least!" I joked, letting out a little yawn. What time was it? It must've been pretty late by now. Michael noticing this, got up from the bench and stretched. He placed a hand over his behind. "I've always hated those tiny ass benches....I gotta order a larger one...." He then looked over at my glasses. They were still tucked in my pink shirt. "You know if I were you, I'd consider getting contacts instead.... trust me, you'd look.....cuter with them" he said as he walked away, leaving me alone in the studio. "Well that was weird..." I whispered to myself, shaking my head.

'I can't believe I'm doing this....' I thought in my mind, closing my eyes. "Wait" I called out. Before Michael can leave the studio, he turns back around. I open my eyes only to find him staring at me, waiting. "What?" he suddenly snapped, annoyed. I quickly clear my throat. "So....are you, staying over?" I ask, my voice quivering. Michael smirks, looking over the clothes he wore. "Nah I just like wearin my pjs" "Oh...." I feel my face grow hot. "Yes, I'm staying if that's alright with you.....well, since it's MY studio and all, you don't really have a say...." By now I'm pretty sure my face is the color of a ripe tomato. He's right. This was HIS studio. Of course he had the right to stay if he wants. Noticing my embarrassment, Michael shakes his head, crossing his arms. "Damn you embarrass so easily. You've gotta learn how to toughen up or you won't ever be taken seriously-" "Why aren't you going home?" I ask, cutting him off. Michael glares at me. "Is that any of your business bird?" I snap my head up, feeling my blood begin to boil. "Helen" he then says. "IT'S HAZEL!" I yell. Was my name THAT hard to remember?! Seriously....."Whatever, Hazel.....it's still none of your business...." he starts to walk away. Suddenly I remembered something....the note that Quincy had wrote earlier....in it he mentioned that Michael was having issues with...."It's Tatiana, isn't it" I say, stopping him dead in his tracks. Michael doesn't respond right away and I instantly know that's the reason. He lets out a long sigh. "She's been on my ass like white on rice and not in the way I'd like her to be...I swear, lately all we've been doing is fight...." "About what?" I ask. I know it's not really any of my business to ask and from the look on Michael's face he knows it too. ".....I just need a little break from her, that's all" he says, completely ignoring my previous question. "How long have you've been dating?" To be honest, I could care less about their relationship but I was just trying to make small talk. It was better than sitting here all alone in the studio talking to nobody....."Since October of last year..." It was January of 1987 now. They've only been dating for 4 months and were already having problems?! "That's only four and a half months..." I said quietly. Michael nooded. "Yes, I know that. I was with Brooke way longer...." I didn't even want to ask WHY they broke up....Michael placed a hand on his belly. "Damn I'm hungry" he said, pulling out his cell. I had to admit I was pretty hungry too. "I'm gonna order a pizza.....you want any?" I nodded. "Sure. I could use some food" Suddenly Michael held out his hand. "That'll be 20 bucks then....What? You didn't actually think I was paying for it did you?" Wow....what an ass. "Just kidding! I'll be back" he said, going out in the hallway. I stayed in the studio. Getting up from the piano, I walked over towards the control room and  messed around with the buttons. Sitting down in the chair, I pressed play and immediately one of Michael's tracks filled the room. I think the song was called 'Streetwalker'? Or at least that's what Michael wants it to be called. He keeps saying he wants this song on the final version of tge album however Quincy and I agreed that another song he had recorded earlier, entitled 'Another Part Of Me' would be the better choice. I still liked 'Streetwalker' though. I mean, sure it took some time to grow on me at first but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an overall funky track. I couldn't help but giggle a bit as the sound of Michael's scream/little yelp could be heard in the opening sequence of the track. Nodding my head to the beat, I got up from the chair and started to dance a little around the room. The song had such an addictive fun type of beat. "You see I've never met a girl just like you...." I softly sang along with the chorus since that was the only part of the sing I actually knew. Michael was still playing around with the writing of the lyrics. I remember him saying he wanted something that would be flirty and playful. "Why don't you give me some tiiiiime? Don't ya give me some time!" I sang out, shaking my hips. "I see you like my song huh" I heard another voice say causing me to literally jump out of my skin. I turned around. "Told you this song had to be on the final cut...." Michael said, a pizza box in his hands. I could tell he wanted so badly to laugh but held it in. "I, I didn't know you came back" I said, quickly running over to turn the stereo off. "You're not too bad of a dancer Hazel. Another thing to add on your list of talents" Michael said, placing the pizza on the table along with some paper plates and 2 water bottles. "Thanks" I said shyly as I grabbed a bottle and slice, sitting down. "I got pepperoni with meat if that's alright?" Michael said, bitting into his piece. I looked down at the pizza. "I thought you were a vegetarian?" I asked. Michael laughed. "Ha! Yeah right. You actually be believing all that shit I say in the tabloids?" Personally, I hated pepperoni with meat but kept quiet. 'I'll just pick it off' I think to myself. As I continued to pick at my pizza, I could feel Michael's eyes on me like a hawk. "What?" I slowly looked up. Michael quickly focused his eyes back on his pizza. "Nothing" he mumbled. "Did you want my-" "I thought you'd never ask!" Michael smiled, cutting me off as he grabbed the pieces of pepperoni and meat off my plate, shoving it in his mouth. "All you had to do was ask Mich- Mr.Jackson" I corrected myself, not in the mood to hear his big mouth. "Oh yeah, you can call me Michael now" he said in between bites. 'Gee thanks for the permission' I think in my mind but keep quiet. After eating his pizza, Michael sat quietly at the table, playing with the cap of his water bottle. Now what? "Look....Hazel" he started, making me glance over at him. "Once again I just wanted to you know, apologize for being an ass to you..." I almost choke on my slice. Michael Jackson was saying sorry to me....again?! Has the bratty pop star turned over a new leaf? I continue to stare at him slightly in shock. "Oh don't act so surprised...." Michael said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "What's gotten in to you?" I asked softly. Michael shrugged, sinking lower in his chair. "Okay well who are you and what have you've done with the real Michael Jackson?" I ask causing him to laugh but I'm serious. "Was it because of Quincy?" Michael didn't respond right away. Bingo. "After I got sick, Q made me go check up on you. Man was he was PISSED. I don't think I've ever seen him that mad before. Once I got to the bathroom, the door was locked. I came back to tell Q and he went off on me for how I've been treating you the past couple of days, saying how it was inexcusable. It literally reminded me of getting a lecture from my father, it was THAT bad. I hate to admit it, but Quincy is right. I've been such a dickhead to you and you did absolutely nothing to deserve it.....you're just trying to get your education, I have to respect that....I mean, like Whitney said, the child ARE our future so...." Michael's voice trailed off. I still didn't buy it. "You checked up on me?" I asked, skeptical. "Well, at least I  TRIED to. It didn't help that the door was locked...." "I uh, locked it" I confessed, embarrassed. Michael nodded. "I had a feeling you did. I also heard you....you were in there crying" I held in a sharp breath. "So....your gonna make fun of me now? If so, go ahead a get it over with..." I said. Michael shook his head. "No. I'm not. I wanna start fresh with you....I'm turning over a new leaf" he joked. "So what do you say? Am I forgiven Hazel Aria Johnson?" "How'd you know my full name?" "It's on your intern papers duh" Michael says as he gets up to throw away his trash. I do the same. "You tired yet youngin?" he asks. "Um, not really...you?" "Heeeellll nope. I never get tired!" Well, what do you wanna do?" I ask, folding my arms. Michael didn't answer. Instead he takes a few steps near where I stood. I hesitantly look up into his brown eyes. There was some sort of mischievous glint in them. Oh boy...."You know what I wanna do right now?...." Michael says, his voice lower. I feel my body go stiff as I tighten my grip on the water bottle in my hand. "W-What?" I stuttered. "I wanna.....record. I wanna record so bad...." he whispered, his face inches from mine. "O-Okay. Which track?" I say, breathing out a sigh of relief once he had finally gave me back my personal space. "I'm not talking about ME recording. I meant you. I'm gonna feature you on my album...."

"You, want ME to sing?" I asked, my voice cracking. "Yes, Isn't that what I JUST said" Michael joked. "Michael I, I don't know if-" I begin to say but Michael put a hand up, silencing me. "What the hell are you so scared of anyway? You have an amazing voice. I wouldn't be putting you on my album if you didn't...." "What about Quincy?" I ask. Michael shrugged. "What about him? I'm sure when he hears your voice he'll agree with me. Seriously Hazel. You're a bundle of great talent just waiting to be released.....Plus, you won't be singing by yourself either. I'll sing with you. We'll take turns recording each other...." Michael said, giving me the black bulky headphones he usually uses to record. I took them with trembling hands. "You'll be fine....trust me" Michael whispered, going towards the control table, already pressing the buttons, getting ready. I gave a weak smile, walking inside the booth."Can you hear me?" Michael called out in the microphone outside of the booth. "Give a thumbs up if you can" I did. "Alright. Your part is highlighted on the lyrics sheet" he said. I picked the up paper off of the black stand, reading the lyrics over. My parts was in pink, his in blue. The lyrics seemed kinda familiar...."I just can't stop loving you...." I read the title into the mic located inside the booth. I saw Michael nod. "I thought you did this song already?" I asked, confused. 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' was actually one of the first songs I remember him recording. I also remember him and Quincy discussing how this song was going to be a duet between Michael and a female singer, but they didn't have anyone in mind yet.....I guess that 'female' was me now....."I'll just 're-record it again. Besides, I wasn't satisfied with how my vocals turned out the first time...." Michael said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You sure you don't wanna wait until you find a more....professional singer to do it?" I ask. Michael let out a annoyed sigh, shaking his head. "NO Hazel. Like I said before, you have an amazing voice. It's time for the world to hear it. Okay? Right now you're the ONLY one I want......to um, you know, record the song" Michael stuttered, after realizing what he had just said. "Alright, I'll do it" I finally gave in, placing the large headphones over my ears. "Girl Relax....quit shaking like a leaf on a tree" Michael said. I took in a few deep breaths, in attempt to calm my nerves. "You ready?" he called out. I nodded, giving him a thumbs up. Michael pressed play and the instrumental of the song immediately filled into my headphones. I looked at the lyrics sheet, taking in one more deep breath before I sang my part in the microphone, my eyes casted down on the paper in front of me. Suddenly I heard the music cut off. Taking off my headphones, I watched as Michael headed for the booth. "Did I....did I sound that bad?" I asked quietly. "You don't sound believable...." Michael said, grabbing the paper from my hands. "This song I wrote is about a man and a woman who are helplessly in love with each other. It's intense, the connection they have with each other. The love they share is deep and it'll never stop....So you've gotta sound like you actually mean it or it'll never work." I didn't respond. "Just imagine some boy you have a crush on then....or put yourself in this woman's place. I've gotta hear some sense of raw passion in your vocals, you know? And I know you can do it....just try and sound like you REALLY mean what you're singing" He then walked out of the booth, restarting the track. "Alright let's try this again. You ready?" He called out. I put a thumbs up, quickly placing back on my headphones. I took in a deep breath and sang my part with all the feeling and love I could muster. Once I was finished, I glanced up through the glass window over at Michael who had the biggest grin on his face. "Daaaaamn now THAT'S what I'm talkin about! You fuckin nailed it!!" "Thanks" I said shyly, taking the headphones off. "Are you still going to record your part?" "Yeah" Michael replied, heading inside the booth while I went out in to the control room. "Ready?" I called out. Michael nodded. I pressed play. The moment I heard his vocals I was blown away. His eyes were closed and I could tell he really felt what he was singing. It was effortless for him to do. The sense of need and want in his vocals couldn't be faked even if you tried. It sounded so painfully real....His voice sounded so sweet and tender one moment then powerful and soulful the next. It amazed me, how much control he had of his voice. Suddenly still singing, Michael opened his eyes, signalling for me to come back in the booth. I quickly put on an extra set of headphones and the both of us sang the rest of the song together as well as our seperate parts. It took about an hour for us to finish up the song completely. "Hazel you've gotta listen to this!"Michael called out excitedly. "Okay" I replied, taking my headphones off and placing the lyrics sheet back on the stand. "Come on!" Michael said opening the booth door, startling me. "You're takin too long!" he joked, grabbing my hand in his, catching me off guard. He then replayed the track. The sound of his voice filled the studio speakers followed by my own. I gasped. It sounded so weird to hear my voice on the sound system like that especially with Michael's. "Isn't it great! I think we've got a hit on our hands....This could be the first single off the album!" Boy, he sounded so excited, reminding me of a little kid. When the song finished, Michael had the biggest smile. "Damn Haze!! Yeah I'm calling it, this song's already a hit!!!! I can't wait for Q to hear this!" I giggled, looking down. His hand still held mine. Michael looked down, noticing this as well. He quickly let go. "My bad. I forgot....." he said. "It's fine" I whispered only because of the look Michael was giving me. I couldn't quite describe it. Was it a look of admiration? Respect? "How....How old did you say you were again?" He asked. "20 why?" "Damn 7 years. That's crazy....I'm 27" "Yeah...I knew that already?" I said, confused. Why all of the sudden was he making a big deal out of our age difference? "Well, you WERE right. You're definitely more mature than me....I was never like that when I was your age" I shrugged. "Well, you were still a scarecrow in 'The Wiz' at my age then...of course I wouldn't expect you to be all that mature just yet" Michael let out a laugh, shaking his head, his black curls falling over his eyes. "I see, you got jokes huh" he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, technically it IS true....." I joked, crossing my arms too. "Well technically my jokes are better...." Michael said, his eyes never leaving my own. I must say, both of our voices blended really well on the track.....a little TOO well. It was scary...there was some sort of chemistry that could be heard clear as day through our vocals. I felt it and I was pretty sure Michael felt it too even if neither us would dare admit it.....but it was definitely there, whether we wanted to believe it or not....

Michael let out a loud yawn, stretching. "Yeah well I think I'ma call it a night. I'm pretty tired" I nodded, rubbing my eyes a bit. "Well thanks. For letting me sing on the track with you. It was......fun" I had managed to say with a smile as I started to walk away. Suddenly I felt Michael's hand grab my wrist, turning me back around. He pulled me into his arms for one of the most awkward hugs of my life. "Welcome" he whispered. "M-Michael?" I asked, my voice shaky. "Hm?" "Please let go of me?" This was getting too weird. Why the hell was he holding me like I was his girl or something?! Michael let me go, a smirk on his features. "You like me.....don't you?" I'm pretty sure I had just thrown up a little in my mouth when he said that. "What?! Of course not, why would you think that?" I asked, my face hot. "It's okay if you have a crush on me.....I mean, LOOK at me, how can you not?" Michael said and he was serious. I gave him a blank stare. Wow....can you say CONCEITED much? Yet another trait to add on to his long list of annoying qualities. "Have you ever had a boyfriend before?" Michael asked out of nowhere. I looked down at the floor. He chuckled. "I'll take that as a no...." "Why do you care? It's really not that big of a deal" I said, nervously playing with my fingers. "Well,you've at least had your first kiss right?" "That's none of your business" I warned. And it wasn't. This was a touchy subject for me and he was the LAST person I wanted to discuss it with. Can't he take a hint that I want this conversation to be over?! Michael let out a laugh. "Wait don't tell me you're still a virgin too?! At 20 years old?! I can't even tell you all the shit I had already done at that age!" That was enough. "Alright fine! I'm still a virgin, I've never been kissed, I haven't had a boyfriend there you happy?! All during high school, even now boys don't even think twice about dating some loser like me because I'm a social outcast....I didn't even attend my prom so if you're gonna now make fun of me for that get it outta your damn system!!!" I snapped, the tears stinging my eyes. One fell down my cheek and I roughly wiped it away. Michael didn't say anything, a look of regret on his face. "I'm going to bed" I mumbled, walking out and heading for the beds in the back room of the studio. It had literally taken me forever to fall asleep that night. I decided on calling my older brother Keith and he helped a lot. I told him all about what happened with Michael and I. "Wow....what a dick. I always had a feeling he was like that....I never liked him anyway. Somebody needs to set that boy straight.....tell him to get his ego head outta his ass....fake ass James Brown wanna be....." Keith said, making me laugh a little. I then told him about how Quincy had tried to put Michael in his place. "Who?" "Quincy? You know, Quincy Jones?" I said over the phone. "Aw yeah! I know who you're talkin about! See, I've always liked Quincy. His jazz music's good as hell. Plus, he knows not to put up with Jackson's bullshit" Keith and I ended up talking for a good hour before I hung up. As I played my head on th pillow, what Keith had said kept replaying over in my mind. "Don't let Jackson get to you alright? Because if he does ANYTHING to mess with you, I'm coming down there to beat his black ass....I don't care if I'm in Disney right now. Keith was on vacation at Disneyland with his wife Tish and their son Cameron. When I woke up that following morning I looked horrible. I didn't really get that much sleep and it definitely showed. After going in to the bathroom to freshen up, I changed into a pair of blue jeans with a black long sleeve shirt. I brushed my hair back into a low ponytail  putting my glasses on and brushing my teeth. "Oh good morning bambi!" I heard another voice call out as I walked inside the studio. Never in my life had I been so happy to see Quincy. "Morning!" I replied, giving him a hug. "Have you seen smelly? I tried calling him but he wouldn't answer" I shook my head. "I haven't seen him either. I was the only one here last night" I lied. Suddenly if almost on que, Michael came rushing into the studio. "Hey we were just talking about you. Where you been smelly?" Quincy asked. "Sorry. I was out for a run. I had to get away from Tati for a few hours. We had a fight" Michael said, wiping sweat off his face. He had looked over at me but I kept my vision locked on the controls. "Is everything alright?" Quincy asked. Michael let out a sigh, shaking his head. "No I don't think so. I'm thinking about calling it quits with her.....she's too much to handle" Michael took a seat at the table, his head in his hands. I could tell there was more to his story but I kept quiet. "You ready to record Smooth Criminal?" Quincy asked, setting up the controls. Michael nodded, heading inside the booth to put on his headphones. The beat for Smooth Criminal filled the studio and I had to admit, it was a pretty good song! I tapped my foot to the beat. When Quincy played back the final version back it sounded great! "I think we've got another hit on our hands smelly!!" he said excitedly. I nodded. "Yeah it's a really good song Michael" "Thanks" Michael mumbled. "Alright I just need you to record one more track then we are done" Quincy said. "Which one?" Michael asked. "Well there's actually 2 tracks you can choose from: Man In The Mirror or I'm so blue" Quincy said. Michael sighed. "I'll do the second one" he said, putting his headphones back on, slowly walking back inside the booth. What's his problem? "Listen Bam I'm going to need you to record this one okay? I have to attend a meeting now but it shouldn't take too long" "W-What?" I asked, becoming nervous. I didn't want to be alone with Michael anymore. "I should only be an hour. I've got to attend the meeting now" Quincy got up, packing up his things. "Does Michael know?" I asked. "No but could you please tell him for me? Since I couldn't find his ass last night" Quincy joked making me smile a little. "Sure I'll tell him. No problem" I tried to sound professional but in reality I felt sick. Once Quincy left, I turned the microphone on, my hands trembling. "Quincy had to leave early for a meeting. So I'll be recording you...." There was silence from the booth. "Michael? You okay?" I asked. Finally he responded. "Fine. Just record" I pressed play and was blown away just by the music itself. The song opened with a piano and a harmonica, the harmonies they gave were beautiful. It actually reminded me of a sad movie opening with the credits rolling in. This was actually one of the songs I've yet to hear Michael record before so it should be very interesting. Once I heard Michael's vocals come in, I closed my eyes. They were so soothing and the lyrics were heart wrenching. By the time he finished, he came out of the booth and I replayed the track back. It sounded amazing and suddenly I was overcome with emotion. Maybe it was the sad lyrics or how painful Michael's vocals sounded or even the actual instrumentation of the blending of the piano, guitar, and harmonica. Whatever was the factor, I couldn't stop the tears that now flowed. "You too that to church" I joked softly, sniffling. I already knew Quincy was gonna love this track. Michael chuckled a bit at my comment. "Thanks" When the song came to a close I stood up and clapped causing him to laugh. "Damn Hazel it wasn't THAT good" Michael said, looking away. "Wasn't that good?! Are you kidding?! Michael that was amazing! I could literally feel the ache in your voice. It's a beautiful song.....a sad song but a beautiful one too" I said, wiping at my eyes. "A little TOO sad for the Bad album though, right?" Michael said. "I mean think about it, where would this fit on the track list? It'll probably just end up being unreleased....and I want it to remain like that" his voice trailed off. I gave him a confused look. "Wait, so this song won't be released to the public? What was the use of recording it then? When did you write it?" I asked. "Last night....it's about Tatiana....I found out she cheated on me...." he said, his voice soft. I looked at him in complete shock. Tatiana cheated on him?! "How'd you-" "After you fell asleep last night, my phone rang. I answered it and it was her. I thought she wanted something but I heard her voice in the back along with some other guy's. By the sounds they were making, I knew she was getting 'something' alright. I even heard her tell the guy not to worry cuz I'll never find out.....I wonder how that bitch must feel right about now....."  Michael said. I could tell he didn't want to get emotional, especially in front of me. "I'm sorry about that" I whispered, not really knowing what exactly to say. I've never been cheated in before so....Michael shook his head, holding up his hand. "I don't need your apologies....you're not the one who fucked some other man behind my back" the bitterness was evident in his tone. "Did you love her?" I asked. "What's it matter to you?! It's not like you'll ever experience it anyway....." Michael snapped but got quiet once he noticed the look of hurt on my face. "I've gotta go...." he suddenly said, grabbing his stuff and leaving. 'Man I hope he doesn't hurt anybody....' I thought.

I was now back at my dorm room, attempting to study when my cell rang. "Hello?" "Bambi!" The other voice said. I smiled. "Hey Quincy! What's up?" Today was one of my off days from working at the studio. "Today is the filming of smelly's new video 'Bad' and I was wondering if you'd wanna come down and see it? We could sure use your input!" I was quiet for a moment. "......Bam? You still there?" "Um y-yeah. I'll go" I said reluctantly. "Thank you! I know it's your day off but trust me it'll be fun! All you have  to do is watch alright?" "Alright" I said before hanging up. I ran a hand threw my hair. 'Ugh why couldn't I have just said no?!' I thought in my head, scolding myself as I changed into a pair of black skinny jeans with a pink and white t-shirt. It was already mid February almost March by now. By the time I arrived on location in the subway, everything was already set to go. "Bam! There you are!" Quincy called out, pulling me in for a hug. I hugged him back as I took a look around at where we were. "He's filming in a subway?" I  asked. Quincy nodded. "Yeah. It was originally gonna be a duet with him and Prince but he backed out last minute.....smelly is still in his trailer getting ready" I nodded. All the other dancers were already out and stretching. There was one guy in particular who kept eyeing me up and down.....I think he was one of the dancers? Or maybe he was an actor? Either way, It definitely was making me feel uncomfortable. Suddenly Michael emerged from his trailer. "What's with all the buckles everywhere?" I asked Quincy causing him as well as the director to bust out in laughter. Michael shot me an evil glare. "Q what's SHE doin here? I didn't invite her" "Oh Relax smelly. Hazel won't be any trouble. I invited her to watch the making of the video-" "Short film" Michael corrected him. "Just don't get in my way...." Michael said through clenched teeth as he walked away towards the other dancers. I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes. It took about an hour to film the entire music video part. Now it was time for the actual acting part which would be shown in the  beginning of the video. I was talking with Quincy and Martin Scorsese the director. When Michael came out of his trailer again, this time he wore blue jeans with a light grey hoodie and black wool coat. It was weird, seeing him so dressed down. He was talking with one of the actors, I think his name was Wesley Snipes. Apparently him and Michael were good friends. Every now and then I'd catch Wesley stealing a few glances my way (he's been doing this since I arrived) but I never really paid him any mind. Michael noticed this as well. He seemed to be getting angrier and angrier everytime Wesley would say something to me. "Alright guys. We're going to film the confrontation scene between Darrell and Shawn" Martin said. Darrell was Michael's character. Shawn was played by Wesley. They quickly got in their places. "And.......ACTION!" Martin called out as he took a seat next to Quincy and I......

Michael's Pov:

I was pissed. No, scratch that I was fucking LIVID. I don't know why the hell Q thought it was a good Idea to have bird come and watch me shoot my short film.....doesn't she realize she's a distraction?! And why does Wesley keep eying her up and down like she's a piece of raw meat?! "Action" Martin called out. I kept my vision casted on the floor, immediately getting into my character of 18 year old high schooler Darrell. "So what's up homeboy? We've got victims out there waitin for us...." Wesley said. "What?! Back off me man....back. off." I snapped, my eyes getting darker. "Are you even bad anymore?! Hm? I don't know what they're teachin you in that sissy school of yours but you need to learn how to grow a pair" I scoffed. That wasn't in the script but I went along with it, no longer acting. "Grow a pair?! I'm already bad Shawn....leave me alone." "Maybe you didn't hear me clearly, I  said, are you bad-" Wesley challenged, shoving my shoulders. "LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!!!! STOP MESSIN WIT ME I'M TIRED OF THAT SHIT!!" I screamed, shoving him back just as hard. "You ain't bad brotha....you ain't nothing!! Nothin but a damn sell out" Wesley yelled. "Didn't I tell you to shut up?!" I barked. It was dead silent on the set. I think they could tell I wasn't acting anymore. I was actually pissed at Wesley for the perv looks he's been giving Hazel. "What you gonna do about it....sissy?" Wesley challenged. Bringing my hand up, I punched Wesley in the face. Everyone on set gasped. "MIKE?! WHAT THE HELL MAN THAT WASN'T IN THE SCRIPT?!" He cried out, grabbing his nose. It was bleeding like a fountain. A couple of the dancers literally had to hold me back from kicking his ass. I tried to charge at him. I glanced over at Quincy who looked mad as hell. When my eyes met with Hazel's she looked like she was about to cry. Shit. That's not what I wanted. I HATE that I'm always making her cry. I looked down at my trembling knuckles. Covered in Wesley's blood. I immediately headed for my trailer, slamming the door shut.....

"Damn what the HELL is Michael's problem?!" Quincy yelled. He was PISSED. I think the only other time I had ever seen him this mad was when Michael had gotten sick and threw up on me. It was so weird. The scene started off okay but then Michael's real anger came out. That punch was definitely not in the script. Why was he so mad anyway?! I swear he's bipolar....."I'll uh, go check on him" I volunteered, heading for his trailer. "Wait!" I heard another deep voice call out, stopping me. I turned around and was surprised. "Wesley? What's up?" "I was wondering if uh, you'd wanna go out sometime?" I was beyond shocked. Wesley was asking ME out on a date?! Really?! I mean, yeah he seemed really nice and funny and was a little cute. Michael's cuter....OH MY GOSH DID I ACTUALLY JUST SAY THAT?! SNAP OUTTA IT HAZEL! "S-Sure" I blurted out. Wesley smiled wide. "Great! How about around 8:30 tonight? We could go out to eat and catch a movie?" I smiled shyly. "I'd like that Wesley" "Alright well here's my number....I'll see you tonight then" Wesley said, handing me the piece of paper. I nodded. "See you tonight!" I called out before heading inside Michael's trailer. It was unlocked. Michael was pacing back and forth. He turned around once he noticed I was standing there. "What the hell do you want?" he snapped, annoyed. I cleared my throat. "I uh, I  just wanted to check on you that's all....what happened back there?" "Nothing alright? You don't need to check on me like I'm some damn child" he said, running a hand through his messy black curls. Suddenly he looked down, eying the paper I was holding. "Hey! Give it back!" I demanded as He snatched it out of my hand. Michael read the paper and laughed, shaking his head. "Oh I KNOW you're not actually going out with him?! Are you stupid?!" "Why do you care?!" I yelled, grabbing the paper from him, shoving it in my back jeans pocket. "God Are you THAT desperate?! You actually think he likes you?! You're just gonna get used, hun. I thought you were smart enough to notice that but apparently you're not...." "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH AN ASSHOLE TO ME?!!" I screamed, the tears stinging my eyes. Michael didn't respond."Forget it.....I should've never came in here in the first place...." I said, wiping my eyes as I turned on my heels and left his trailer, slamming his door shut. "Fuck him!" I whispered as I got inside my car and drove off. I had a date to worry about.....

Michael's Pov....Again:

Shit shit shit! Gotdamnit Mike Why didn't you stop her?! Why does she have to be so Damn stubborn?! Wesley is no good!!! All he's gonna do is use her and she's too damn good and innocent for that. Ugh I've gotta stop being so mean to her all the time. I don't mean to be....After everyone had left the set if the short film I drove back to the studio. I didn't really wanna go back home to Tatiana. Yes, we were still living together even though she cheated. I didn't feel like dealing with her ass. It was now around 11:30 at night. Quincy wouldn't even talk to me. He headed right home after the little incident between Wesley and I. It kept replaying in my mind as I sat in the studio. I was playing with the controls. Maybe I could record a new song....it would definitely help take my mind off of whatever the hell her and Wesley were doing at the moment. I swear, the fact that he's probably touching her right now, making her giggle and blush drives me so fuckin mad. I feel my blood start to boil, my heart racing again in my chest. "Why am I thinking about her so damn much?" I whispered to myself, burrying my face in my hands.I shouldn't even be worried about her anyway. It's not like she's my girlfriend. Today had been such a LONG day. I was exhausted. I had changed into a pair of black sweats with a red long sleeved shirt, my curly hair in a messy ponytail. Suddenly the studio door opened. I looked up. "Well.... guess who decided to come back....what? Wesley wasn't enough for you?" I said sarcastically. Hazel didn't respond. Instead she walked right past me and headed for the beds located in the back of the studio, closing the door behind her. I waited a few moments before I went in the back, following her. Hazel was sitting on the bed, her back straight, hands resting in her lap. Her light brown eyes were locked on the floor. She looked almost like she was in some type of a daze.....the hell?! I walked inside, closing the door behind me. "You alright?" I asked, looking over the outfit she wore. It was a white baby doll dress with a grey sweater cardigan. The black tights she wore had slits and rips in them, especially around her inner thighs. Her black hair (she straightened it?) Was dishelveled. There were traces of black mascara marks on her face along with smudges of black eyeliner. She must've been crying before she came here... Why the hell didn't I noticed this before when she first walked in?! On her left cheek, there was a big red welt. It looked like someone had slapped her....hard. I could feel my heart beat increase as I slowly kneeled down in front of her. "What happened?" Hazel didn't respond, her eyes still locked on the floor. She was taking in shaky breaths. I could tell she was trying hard not to loose it in front of me. "I, I didn't w-want to do it...." she started to say and it broke my heart. "Hazel what did he do?" I whispered, looking down at her hands still resting in her lap. There were tiny bruises along both of her inner wrists. "A-After the movies.....he took me back to his place. When I tried to leave, he threw me up against the wall and f-forced himself on m-me" Hazel said and by now I was pretty sure I was seeing red. I knew it. I fucking KNEW it. That motherfucker had tried to rape her...."I told him no but he wouldn't get o-off...." I felt my heart sink as the tears started to well up in my eyes, clouding my vision. "Did he...." I started, my voice shaky. Hazel shook her head no. "I got away before he could....." "Shit Hazel I'm so sorry" I whispered, reaching out to touch her and she visibly flinched, her eyes wide with fear. "Please....don't hurt me....not you too...." Hazel cried out, trembling all over. I shook my head. "Sweetheart I'd NEVER hurt you like that.....that's not me" I said and I ment it. I took a seat next to her on the bed. "You were right about him....." Hazel said as she turned her head away, the soft cries escaping from her lips. "Come here..." I whispered, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her in towards me. She burried her face in my neck, her warm tears soaking through the collar of my shirt. "Shhh it's alright....you're safe now" I softly reassured her, my fingers getting lost in her black locks.  "I'm so sorry honey....I'm so sorry" I kept whispering over and over, the tears trickling down my own cheeks as I held on to her.....

I can't tell you how long Michael and I sat on the bed like that....it felt like forever. "I'm gonna kill that motherfucker when I see him....." I heard Michael whisper, his grip tightening around my shoulder. I shuddered, snapping my head up. I still had tears in my eyes but I felt a lot better than earlier. "Please....don't hurt him Michael. It's my fault....I, I should've never agreed to go back to his place-" "Hazel stop" Michael demanded, cutting me off. "That's NO excuse. It's NOT your fault....no man should EVER put his hands on a woman. He tried to fucking rape you...." I didn't respond as I slowly got up from the bed, Michael following. "You alright?" he asked as he examined me. I nodded. "I'm fine..." I whispered but then Michael to my surprise, cupped his hand underneath my chin, gently turning it to the side. I winced a bit as I felt his finger brush against the red welt on my cheek. "Damn...." Michael whispered shaking his head. I could tell there was a look of regret in his brown eyes. He felt responsible for what Wesley had tried to do to me. "I've uh, I've gotta get going" I stuttered, trying to break away from his intense gaze. "Thanks again..." I said getting ready to leave, "Hazel wait" Michael said. I turned around. ".....yeah?" "You, you sure you wanna leave? I mean, I just don't want that asshole to find you again" I shook my head. "I'll be fine" I then took a pause before continuing. ".....What's the real question you wanted to ask?" Michael didn't respond right away as he started playing with the controls. "I uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come see me film  another  video tomorrow....but it's cool if you can't make it. If you don't wanna come, I don't care...." Michael shrugged, trying to sound cool. "I'd love to....what short film is it?" I asked. Michael smiled. "Its for The Way You Make Me Feel....Q is right we could sure use your input!" I giggled. "Of course I'll go then!" I joked. "Alright I guess I'll see you tomorrow then..." Michael said, walking me to the door. "Night" I said as I opened the door, walking out. Michael grabbed my wrist, pulling me back. "Get some sleep....it's gonna be a long day tomorrow" Michael whispered, his lips inches from mine. He smirked a little, noticing my reaction. "O-Okay" I nervously swallowed. He backed away from me, chuckling as he closed the door, leaving me standing alone and confused in the cool night February air. Ugh did I still wanna go to this music video shoot tomorrow? Now I really don't know....

Well, this was it. Today was the day of the shooting of Michael's video 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and I was already 20 minutes late thanks to my stupid alarm not buzzing me to wake up in time. "Shoot shoot shoot" I whispered, jumping out of bed and  frantically putting on a pair of blue jeans with a black long sleeved shirt and white converse shoes. I threw my hair up in a messy bun as I ran out of the dorm and got into my car. It wasn't until I finally arrived at the set that I realized I had forgotten my glasses on my desk back at the dorm. "Damnit" I mumbled to myself, letting out a sigh as I got out of my car and began walking towards location. There were tons of people around just chilling. Perhaps they were extras? A couple of them looked like gang members and some of the girls were wearing some pretty revealing clothing. 'What kind of video is this?' I thought to myself but remained quiet. "Hey....you must be Hazel? Hazel Johnson?" I heard another voice call out. I turned around and saw a man who looked to be about mid thirties behind me. I nodded. "Yeah that's me" The man then held his hand out for me to shake. "Great! My name's Kenny Pratt. I'm the director of the video" "Nice to meet you Mr. Pratt" I smiled. "I apologize for being so late....I uh, I accidentally overslept" Kenny shook his head. "Nonsense! It's fine we didn't even start filming yet. And you can call me Kenny" I then looked around. Where was Quincy? Noticing this, Kenny responded. "Oh Quincy said he wouldn't be able to make the shoot today. But he said he didn't mind you filling in his place....he also advised me to call you bambi but I think I'll stick with Hazel instead haha" he joked causing me to laugh. After Kenny left, I continued to casually stroll around, trying to take it all in. It looked like I was on some sort of street but it was really battered up and rough. Maybe it was supposed to look like that? None of the extras really paid me any attention which I was thankful for. It wasn't until I heard a shrill scream that I looked up. "Ugh!! Didn't I tell you I wanted coconut water?! Not plain water!! What are you stupid or someting?!" I heard the person yell. It sounded like a woman. "Miss Thuzban I'm so sorry but I couldn't find-" "NO I DON'T wanna hear your excuses. Either you get my water or you're fired and you'll  go right back to cleaning toilets for a living....you'd think by being my assistant you'd know how to do your damn job" The woman sassed as she took the water the assistant held in her hands, throwing it on the ground. I winced a bit, watching the assistant who looked like she was about to burst into tears. She looked like she was around my age. "Why are you still standing here?! Go fetch my water Molly!!" "S-Sorry Miss Thuzban." Molly quickly scurried off. 'Wow....' I thought and then it hit me. This girl was THE Tatiana Yvonne Thuzban. The supermodel. Also the girlfriend of, well ex girlfriend of Michael Jackson. What the hell was she doing here? I KNOW her petty ass wasn't about to be in...."Alright Tatiana you ready to shoot the video?" Kenny asked. Tatiana flashed a pearly white smile, obviously fake. "I was BORN ready Ken" Kenny nodded. "Okay now everyone's here except Michael....We just gotta wait for him then we'll be ready to go" That's right. I didn't remember even seeing Michael when I walked in. Damn, he's later than me! Tatiana then pulled out a compact mirror from her back jeans pocket. She checked her makeup and fluffed out her bouncy chocolate brown locks. I had to admit, she was gorgeous even though she seemed like a complete bitch. The outfit she wore was really short jean shorts with a white tank top and perhaps the highest red pumps I had ever seen, making her look insanely tall. Her natural curly hair flowed past her shoulders and the makeup she wore really brought out her dark brown eyes. She had flawless tan skin. Overall, like I said before, she looked absolutely gorgeous. I could instantly see why Michael dated her. In a lot of ways she sort of looked like the female version of him with the curly hair and brown eyes. I didn't mean to stare at her but for some reason I couldn't seem to tear my eyes away. I think I was just completely taken aback by the fact that from afar she looked like she'd be one  the most nicest girls in the world but was the total opposite. "Stupid earring" Tatiana mumbled as she readjusted the gold hoops she wore. Suddenly she glanced up. I quickly tried to look away but it was already too late. Placing her little mirror back in her pocket, Tatiana walked over towards me, reminding me of the way a model would strut on the runway. She didn't say anything, instead she just glared, looking me up and down. I nervously cleared my throat. "Hi Tatiana. I'm Hazel. One of the engineers for the 'Bad' Album. It's nice to meet you" I said, holding my hand out. Tatiana looked down at it like it was covered in poison. "So  YOU'RE the one Michael's been talking about....I don't know why, you ain't nothing special to look at" she said sucking on her teeth, walking away. I felt my blood begin to boil. What a fucking bitch! I immediately walked off the set and headed for the trailer, not even caring who it belonged to. I went inside, slamming the door. "Fucking Bitch....what did he ever see in her...." I whispered. "I find myself asking that same question" I heard a familiar voice say behind me, nearly scaring to death. I turned around and jumped. "M-Michael? Where have you been?" Michael smirked. "In here. I didn't wanna be bothered by anybody....especially her" He then crossed his arms over his chest, taking a few steps towards where I stood. "I take it you just met her, right?" I nodded. "Michael what's she even doing here? I thought you two broke up" "We did....but for publicity reasons she's still gonna be in my short film" What?! "What?" My voice cracked. "But she cheated on you..." Michael held his hand up, silencing me. "Don't remind me. We have a contract agreement so she's gotta be in it unfortunately" He let out a loud sigh, rubbing his temples. "I just can't wait until this shit's over so I'll never have to see her ass again" "Is this for the video?" I asked, looking over the outfit he wore. It was black jeans with a white t-shirt over a blue long sleeved shirt. He still had on the trademark white socks with black penny loafers. Truth be told, the outfit didn't look that much different from anything he'd normally wear. "Yeah....such a drastic change" Michael joked, rolling his eyes. His black curly hair in a low ponytail. I then opened the trailer door as the two of us walked out. "By the way, don't think I didn't realize you were over 20 minutes late...." Michael said. "I overslept" I confessed. "I know....I'll let it slide this time" he winked. Then he turned around to face me. "You're not wearing your glasses....." "I left them back at the dorm" I said. "Well I like it...." he confessed, walking away leaving me slightly confused.

"Michael! There you are! You ready to film?" Kenny called out. Michael nodded. "Alright places everyone! Hazel, come sit next to me" Kenny called out as he set up the cameras and all the extras took the place. Tatiana took her place next to Michael and I could visibly see him move away. There was some obvious tension between them that only seemed to get worse as the filming went on....

It was now over an hour into the shoot and Michael and Tatiana were going down each others throats, screaming and cursing at each other. "Damn it's about to be like Jerry Springer out here!" One of the extras yelled out causing everyone to laugh including me. "Look can y'all at least TRY to act like you like each other? We're wasting time here" Kenny said, getting frustrated. I had to agree they were acting like two little bratty kids. It was now time to film the scene where Tatiana gets out of the car and Michael playfully chases after her. But during one of the takes, Tatiana fell on her butt and all Michael did was just stand there, trying hard to hold back his laughter. During another take Tatiana had pushed Michael against the car, almost making him fall. When he tried to dance for her, she crossed her arms over her chest and actually laughed at him. But the third take was when it REALLY went down. Tatiana had managed to get out of the car and everything seemed to be going well until she ran too fast and ended up tripping over the curb, causing her heel to snap and her ankle to twist. She fell to the concrete, letting out a bloodcurdling scream. "My ankle! I hurt my ankle!" She kept yelling, the tears pouring down her cheeks, ruining her fresh makeup. Everyone ran to her side except Michael who looked pissed. "She's just faking it" he kept saying. "No I'm not you asshole!" Tatiana yelled, holding her ankle. I rushed over to her side. "Can you stand up?" I asked. "What the hell do you think?!" She snapped. "HEY don't talk to her like that" Michael snapped at her. Somebody had called the paramedics and they took a screaming and whining Tatiana away. After all the commotion was over I took a seat back in my chair. "Great. Just fucking great. How are we gonna finish now?!" Michael yelled. He was mad. "Michael please just relax. Let's think for a sec" another voice tried to reassure him. I had found out that the voice belonged to one of his sister's. She was also one of the extras in the video. "Think about what Toya?! I have a deadline! How am I supposed to finish?!!" "We've just gotta find another girl Mike, it's no big deal really" A man said. It was Michael's manager Frank Dileo. "And where the hell am I gonna find one Frank?!" Michael yelled, pacing back and forth. Suddenly one of the extras spoke up. He pointed a finger over at me. I felt my heart begin to race. Oh please don't....."What about her?" Damn. Suddenly all eyes were on me. I quickly shook my head, my face hot with embarrassment. "No...I can't" "Yeah! Hazel would be perfect!" Kenny said. Michael however, remained quiet. I was praying he was gonna say that's a horrible idea but instead he walked up to me and said "Hazel please can you do this for me? It won't be hard at all....I promise" I let out a reluctant sigh, looking over my outfit. "I'm not even dressed for the part" Michael shook his head. "I'm sure we'll find something for you to wear. Karen! Mike! Come here!" he called out. Karen Faye was his hair and makeup artist, Michael (Mike) Bush was his clothing designer. "Can y'all help Hazel get ready?" Karen and Mike nodded and I followed them back into the trailer......

"I can't believe I'm actually doing this..." I mumbled causing Karen to laugh as she did my makeup. My outfit was already on. It didn't take too long to pick out. Bush had decided on a short black dress that shaped my body very well. It actually looked like I had curves! Or, at least helped outline any of the curves I had. I also wore black tights with black heels. My black hair had been curled and flowed down my back. "I'm so nervous" I confessed, my leg shaking. "Aw hun you'll be just fine! Trust me" Karen said as she added the finishing touches. "Alright I'm finished! Take a look!" She said, handing me a mirror. I looked over my appearance and gasped. "You like it?" Bush asked. I nodded, feeling  my eyes begin to water. "Thank you" I said, my voice a bit shaky. I looked so beautiful. It felt strange seeing myself like that. "Aw your welcome and don't cry! I don't want your makeup to get ruined!" Karen said, giving me a hug. Bush then pulled out a bunch of silver bangles and bracelets from a bag. "Just some finishing accessories" he said, helping me put the bracelets on my wrists. "Alright girl! I think You're ready now!" He said, opening the door and I slowly went down the steps and walked out, my heart pounding against my ribs. 'Please let this go well.....' I thought, inhaling a deep breath as I continued walking over to where Michael and the rest of the extras stood....

Michael's Pov:

I glanced down at the watch I wore on my wrist, my penny loafer shoe tapping on the concrete. Ugh what's taking her so freaking long?! I was chatting with my older sister La Toya and manager Frank. Well, more like THEY were the ones chatting. I had long tuned them out, my mind elsewhere. "So when I got to the party and saw her wearing the same white chanel dress as me, I-" "Where's Hazel at?" I interrupted my sister, glancing down at my watch for the millionth time. "Um, hello?! Rude Michael!" La Toya snapped. Frank chuckled, placing another cigar in his mouth. "It's only been 20 minutes joker relax" "Shouldn't she already be out here then?!" I said, shaking my head. "What if she chickened out on me? I wouldn't be surprised....I'm gonna go find her...." I say, turning around and when I do, I feel my heart fall to my stomach. "Look! There she is!" Last Toya states the obvious. "She looks amazing!" Frank nods, in agreement, whistling. "Sure does....Michael, you alright?" I hear him ask but I don't respond as I watch Hazel walk out of the trailer with Karen and Bush towards where I was. She looked.....damn I couldn't even put it to words how FINE she looked! That short black dress she wore really helped outline those curves which I always knew she had. It didn't help that she'd always keep her figure hidden by wearing baggy clothing. Her long black curly hair flowed down her back, bouncing with each step she took. The moment I saw her look up and her eyes met with mine, I could've sworn I stopped breathing for a minute. "Woah..." I whispered to myself, feeling in slight awe. There was a certain look in her light brown eyes. It was almost as if she were silently saying 'Like what you see?' Even though I KNOW she'd never verbally say it. She flashed a shy smile and immediately I felt Mike Jr. begin to rise, making an appearance. "Shit, not now" I whispered to myself, shutting my eyes and desperately trying to think of something less sexy. The last thing I wanted was for Hazel to see me with a massive boner. "Hazel there you are! You look fantastic!" Kenny says. "Thanks" Hazel replied, blushing. "H-Hey" I stutter, trying to sound cool but instead I feel like an idiot. I didn't want her to know she was having an affect on me. "Hi....be honest, is this too much? I feel like I'm dressed like some hooker" she joked, pointing at her outfit. I shook my head, chuckling. "No it's perfect. You look....." I couldn't finish the sentence. "Horrible?" Hazel says. "Beautiful...." I answer softly, reaching out to tuck a black curl behind her ear. I notice my little gesture visibly made her jump, a confused look on her face. "You must be joking. I'm sure Tatiana looked a thousand times better than me...." "Hell to the no she didn't. I'm serious Hazel. You look really fucking good....excuse my language but it's the truth!" I joke causing her to giggle a bit. "So, what exactly am I doing again?" She asks. "You're playing the part of my love interest. So basically the scenerio is that I'm trying to get with you but you play hard to get" Hazel nods. "Okay" "Thanks again for doing this" I say. She flashes me another warm smile. "No problem Michael. Hopefully it'll be fun" I give her the same smile back. "Alright places everyone! Michael go near Leroy please and Hazel you're not in the shot just yet" Kenny says as Hazel turns around to leave and I get the perfect view of her firm round behind in her dress. I slowly lick my lips. 'Damn....' I think to myself.

Walking up to Leroy, I smile, shaking his hand. He was playing the part of an elder gentleman who gives me a life lesson on how to get a woman. I had just been kicked out by the group of guys, all of them doing and saying the WRONG things to get a woman's attention. "And action!" Kenny says as the cameras begin to roll. I walk down the street, my head hanging low, hands in pockets. The group of guys had just shooed me away. "Wait a minute son..." I hear Leroy's deep voice say. I glance up. "Come here. Sit down I wanna talk to you" Letting out a sight, I take a seat on the step next to the old gentleman, my eyes casted on my fingers. "I've been watchin you...." Leroy starts. "You've been trying to act like them boys" he points. "And they ain't about nothing. Why don't you just be yourself? You know, reach down inside and pull a little YOU out?" That's when I finally look over at him. "Be yourself?" I asked, confused. Leroy nods. "Yeah. You can't be nobody else, you can't be them. You don't wanna be like them" he says as the loud obnoxious noises from the other guys can still be heard, trying to hit on the women walking by. "So...I just have to be myself?" I say. "Yeah" Leroy nods again. "That's all you have to do" "Be myself...." I whisper, the words sinking in as I look back down at my hands. "And cut! That was great you two!" Kenny calls out. "Okay Hazel. In this scene you're gonna be walking down the street. I really want you to strut. Michael then is gonna come out but you ignore him and continue walking away. Michael then chases after you, trying to get you to come back alright?" Hazel and I both nod, getting into our places. "Alright show me attitude Hazel! And action!" Kenny yells.

Somebody then plays back the music (it's the song 'Hot' by Roy Ayers)and I watch in amazement as Hazel literally transforms into a whole different person, the shyness dissolving as she struts down the street like a  runway model. Her walk is a thousand times better than Tatiana's will EVER be. It's much more believable.....more natural. "Oooooo wee! Now THAT is foxy!" One of the extras call out as the camera zooms in on her hips, swaying seductively with the beat. Hazel keeps her eyes casted down on the sound of her heels clicking on the pavement. She readjusts the silver bangles on her wrist. That's when I decided to make my que. Stepping out from the shadows, I step in front on the sidewalk, my arms crossed, blocking her view.  "I thought I told him to go home?! What is he doin?! Look she's gonna pass him up!" I hear one of the extras call out. Hazel then glances up, stares at me for a split second before walking right past me, going right back to readjusting her bracelets. Feeling slightly rejected, I turn around, inhaling a deep breath. "HEY!!!" I scream out causing Hazel to immediately turn around as well as the other extras to go quiet. My screaming wasn't in the script but I wanted to spice it up to see how Hazel would react. She looks genuinely shocked and I have to look down to keep from laughing. Taking a few steps up to her, I start snapping my fingers as I begin to circle around her, checking her out. Hazel's eyes never leave my own. She places a hand on her hip, a 'What the hell do you want' look on her face. I continue to snap my fingers around her before stopping in front of her, bitting my bottom lip. She crosses her arms over her chest, a challenging look in her light brown eyes. I then decide to do something else unscripted. "You knock me off of my feet now baby! Whoooooooo" I loudly sing making everyone on set go SILENT. I see Hazel press her lips together, trying hard not to laugh. "Sorry.....was that too much?" I say feeling my face grow warm. "That was amazing! Kenny you HAVE to keep that bit in!" Hazel says, smiling wide. "Oh believe me I am! That was incredible Michael!" Kenny says as everyone else starts to clap and cheer.

I have to say I was beyond happy! It was 8:30 pm and we were almost finished with filming the short film! I was so proud of Hazel. She had been such a great sport as I playfully sang and danced around her. At one point she even sang some of the lyrics back to me which Kenny decided to keep in the final cut. We had managed to get along so well with one another and the chemistry was so strong and evident between us even if we didn't want to admit it. It was now time to shoot the final scene where Hazel finally becomes mine and we embrace. "And action!" Kenny said as Hazel began to walk backwards, looking for me. I slowly walk up behind her, my arms crossed but when she turned around to face me I accidentally let out a loud sneeze. "Sorry my bad" I say. Hazel busts out laughing. "Eww Michael I felt that you know!" She says , wiping at her dress. "Cut!" Kenny calls out. In the next take when Hazel backs up, she tripped over her heel, falling on her butt. "Ow!" I heard her whine. I couldn't help the laughter that escaped from my lips as I helped her off the ground. "How the hell do you trip over air Haze?!" I joke. "It's these stupid high heels!" She argues back laughing. "Cut!" Kenny calls out again. "Alright maybe 3rd Times a charm? Let's try one last time....and action!!" Hazel walks backwards near the spilling fire hydrant, looking for me she then turns around. I walk up to her, my arms crossed over my chest as I stared her down. Hazel then wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my body closer to hers as we hugged. I felt her bury her head inside of my neck as I wrapped my arms tightly around her waist. "Perfect! That's it!" I heard Kenny say but I tune him out. Hazel slowly removed herself from my embrace, smiling shyly. "Well? How was that? Did I do alright?" She asked. I didn't respond as I continued to gaze in her eyes, feeling myself get lost in them. What the hell was happening to me?! Snap out of it Mike! But God, she looked so beautiful....she always does. Placing my fingertips on her cheek, I stroked it gently. "You did great...." I whispered before leaning in, my lips inches from hers. I could literally feel my heart pound in my chest. Hazel let out a shaky breath, just as nervous. I bit my bottom lip before stirring up enough courage to kiss her. I heard a series of gasps and yells from the extras. "Keep rolling! Keep the cameras rolling!" Kenny yelled out excitedly. When Hazel and I broke away she had a blank expression. "Sorry...." I mumbled slightly embarrassed, getting ready to walk away but she grabbed the collar of my blue shirt and kissed me back, her lips tender and soft against my own. This made the extras go even more wild than before. When she broke away from me, we continued to gaze into each others eyes. That's when it had hit me. I couldn't believe what just happened.....I had kissed Hazel and she kissed me back....and that wasn't even in the script....what happens now? Holy shit.....

When I walked back into the trailer to go change, I couldn't stop replaying what had just happened earlier in my mind. Michael kissed me. And I actually had the nerve to kiss him back. Was it wrong that I liked it? The feel of those soft full lips engulfing mine....Ugh snap outta it Hazel! You're supposed to hate him, remember?! After changing back into my regular clothing I got out of the trailer. All the extras had patted me on the back, telling me how much of a great job I did at the shoot today. I simply thanked them, smiling shyly. I was trying to quickly hop in my car and drive back to the dorm without being seen but of course the sound of a certain voice could be heard. HIS voice, sending chills up my spine. "Hey Hazel wait up!" He yelled out, catching up with me in the empty parking lot. Everyone else was leaving to go home. Shouldn't he be too? I turned around to face him. "What's up Michael?" "I was wondering if uh, could you possibly drive me back to the studio? There's this new song I have in my head I'd like to record real quick" I let out a sigh, opening the passenger door. "Get in" I replied. "Thanks" The ride back to Epic Studio was awkward as hell. I could sense Michael wanted to say something to me but instead, played around with the radio stations knob, remaining quiet. Once we arrived, I was so eager to have him get out so I could go back to the dorm and crash. I was exhausted. "Wait, you're not staying?" Michael asked. He was still in his clothes from the short film. Why he didn't change? I had no idea. I shook my head, purposely letting out a  tired yawn. "I'm pretty beat. I've gotta get some sleep" Michael gave me a look, obviously not buying it. "Please Hazel? I could really you somebody's input on it.....let me know if it's good or not" he made sad puppy dog eyes and I let out a defeated sigh. "Alright fine. I'll stay" "Yes!" Michael joked, doing a little victory dance as the two of us walked inside the studio.

Once inside, I took a seat at the table, setting up the controls to record while Michael changed in the bathroom. When he came back in, he wore black slacks with a red long sleeve shirt. He had let his black curls out of the low panytail. I think this was the first time I had ever seen him wear his hair down before. I'd be lying if I said it didn't look good. "You ready?" I asked, looking up. Michael nodded. "Yeah" He then placed his headphones on going into the booth. The piano was already in there (he had said he needed it to record this particular track) "Can you hear me?" I asked into the mic. Looking up from inside the booth, Michael took a seat at the piano bench and nodded, putting a thumbs up to signify he was ready to record. I pressed play, the red light above the booth switching on as Michael began to play the opening chords to a song I had never heard before. It was weird but the way Michael was playing the chords almost sounded slightly out of tune but they weren't. It sounded really interesting to hear."Hello August moon, where are the stars of the niiight.....you've promised me too soon cuz it's been cloudy all niiiight and the weather man said 'if you're not well, stay in bed' and I've been feelin down and blue and its cloudy in my heaaad instead of goin to some restaurant, I'll stay home instead and I'll be looooovin yooou that's what I wanna doooo...." Michael sang in the microphone, his eyes closed. Suddenly he opened them, his brown eyes meeting with mine. "Hello midnight lover, you're the one I adoooore and I'll be thinkin of you to the stars I want moooore if it's cloudy, your bluuuue I'll stay here with yoooou well make a wish and then we'll kiss, a love forever truuuue instead of goin out to some restaurant, I'll stay here with you where I'll be looovin yoooou, that's what I wanna dooo" I felt my body go stiff in the chair, my heart beginning to race. He wasn't talking about me....was he? Naaaah No way. "It seems you don't knoooow, we reached the higher mountain, everytime I seem to disappeaaaar and together we will fly, we'll dance up in the heavens, I can really feel it when you're near ooooo" Michael sang the bridge before breaking out into a piano solo. He then sang the chorus again. "I'll be lovin yoooou cuz you're always on my mind" Michael sang the outlibs before ending the song. I stopped the recording, releasing the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding in. Michael walked out from the booth and I quickly replayed the track back. "Michael....it sounds amazing" I confessed in slight awe. Michael chuckled, his cheeks warm. "Thanks, you really think so?" I nodded, closing my eyes listening to his vocals. They sounded so clear and strong and filled with....passion, a raw sense of want and need that couldn't be faked. When I opened my eyes again I was surprised to find Michael staring intently at me, bitting his bottom lip. "When...when did you write this?" I asked as Michael took a seat next to me at the control table. "I wrote it....I wrote it earlier during the shoot" he said but he didn't sound too sure of himself....almost like he was nervous or something. "And Who's it for?" I had to ask. Of course  I assumed he had to be singing about someone. The way his vocals sounded were proof of that fact. Michael didn't respond right away, he looked down at the ground, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "You wanna know the truth?" He asked. I nodded. "I won't judge you if it was about Tatiana or anything" I joked but Michael didn't smile. "I wasn't singing about her....I was singing....about you, Hazel" I almost choked on my saliva. "O-Oh" was all I could say as I coughed a little. "What do you call it? The track I mean" I stuttered, feeling like an idiot. Michael chuckled, standing up. I stood up as well. "I think I'm gonna call it 'Lovin You' yeah, that's what I'm gonna call it" he said. "Is it gonna go on the album then?" I asked. Michael shook his head no, taking a few steps closer towards where I stood. I visibly jumped a little. "No it's not....that's my personal song from me to you...." he whispered, his lips inches from mine. I felt myself begin to sweat. "T-Thank you.....it's a beautiful song" I said as Michael licked his lips. "So are you...." he whispered as he slowly leaned in and kissed me for the second time that night. Not really knowing what to do, I placed my trembling hands on the sides of the control table for support. I was positive my legs were about to give out. I felt Michael's arms wrap around my waist as the kiss began to intensify. I suddenly broke away, my face flushed, breathing deeply. I was so confused. I thought he hated me.....so why were we....."W-Why?" I had managed to ask. "Why....what" Michael said, already knowing what I was about to say. "Why are you kissing me, Michael?" Michael fell silent, looking down at his arms still wrapped securely around my waist. "Honestly, I....I don't know why...." he confessed, his voice soft. He looked confused as well, almost like he had awoken from a trance like state. Nodding, I bit my bottom lip. "Please don't.....do that....you don't know how badly that turns me on when you do that...." Michael said, letting out a shaky sigh. I could say the same thing about whenever he'd bite his bottom lip, which was often. "Maybe I uh, I should get going...." Michael said, letting go of me. "I can take you home if you want me too" I offered but Michael shook his head. "If I let you take me home, there's a pretty good chance you wouldn't be returning back to your dorm tonight...." I didn't really know how to respond to his comment. "Seriously Hazel, I'll be fine here." Michael said as he walked me out of the studio and into the cool night air. "Goodnight" he said. "Night...." I replied, getting ready to get into my car but not before Michael gently grabbed my wrist, stopping me. "Be safe and get some sleep alright?" He whispered, placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "O-Okay" I stuttered, climbing inside my car driving back to the dorms. As I got my pjs on and crawled in bed, I couldn't stop replaying in my mind what Michael had said. 'If I let you take me home, there's a pretty good chance you wouldn't be returning back to your dorm tonight...' I then placed a finger on my lips. I could still feel his soft silky lips on mine, leaving me breathless and wanting more. It was on that night of February when I had dreamt of Michael Jackson for the first time.....and when I woke up the following morning I found myself slightly sweaty, a little 'wet' surprise left my underwear. "Damnit Michael...I'm supposed to hate you...." I whispered, getting up to go take a cold shower.

After taking a shower and changing into some jeans and grey sweater, I headed towards the library to pick up a couple of books for studying. It was another one of my days off from being at the studio. I think Quincy was still on his business trip so I wouldn't see him for a few days. As I walked through the busy campus, none of the other students really noticed me. I didn't have a lot of friends and even requested not to have a room mate. I didn't mind it though because I was able to get my work done without any distractions. I'm sure majority of the students probably thought I was either weird or a nerd because I'd barely talk and always keep to myself. When I returned back to the dorm, I set my my books on the desk and let out a sigh. After about an hour of studying, I closed my eyes and groaned. I was getting a bit tired but my mind was elsewhere. 'Ugh why can't I stop thinking about him?' I kept thinking in my mind. Walking over to my bed, I laid down, looking mindlessly up at the ceiling. It was a friday night and I was bored out of my mind. Suddenly there was a knock on my door. Startling me, I quickly sat up. I wasn't expecting any company. "Pizza Boy!" The voice called out. It was really deep, sounding almost like a grown man instead of a kid. I walked over towards my door. "Uh, I didn't order any pizza. I think you might have the wrong dorm" I called out. "Is your name Hazel Johnson?" "Yes" "Then it's for you!" I slowly opened the door and gasped. "M-Mich-" "Shhh I'm the pizza boy" Michael replied, placing a hand over my mouth, cutting me off. He quickly looked around the empty hallway then back at me. "Are you gonna let me in or do I have to continue standing out here?" "Y-Yeah come in" I let him inside my dorm, shutting the door. "How'd.....how'd you get here?" I asked, watching in shock as Michael removed his disguise, left only in a pair of black jeans and a long sleeve white shirt. "Believe me, it wasn't easy. I still can't believe I managed to get away with it. My bodyguards were NOT happy" he said, taking a seat on my bed. "Nice dorm...." "Thanks" "You don't have a room mate?" "Nope" There was an awkward silence between us. Michael cleared his throat. "So, I guess your wondering why I came over here huh" I nodded. "I was bored back at the studio" "So you decided to come visit me....on my day off?" I joked, taking a seat at my desk and pulling out a couple books. Michael nodded, getting up from the bed. "Yeah, well it's more than that....I've been having real shitty writer's block.....I thought you could help me out" he said. Michael now stood behind me, watching quietly as I tried to keep my attention focused on my work. He slowly leaned over my shoulder. "What you studying for?" He asked. Turning around in my seat, I tried not to jump at how close he suddenly was to me. Play it cool Hazel....Play it cool. "Sociology...." "Oh I've heard of that before. That's the field when you deal with how people think right?" "You could say that...." I said. "I've got this essay I have to write on how society causes people to look at themselves and change...." "That's funny. I was actually trying to write something similar like that but I can't seem to think of anymore lyrics...." Michael said. "What do you have so far?" I asked. Michael pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. I had to hold back a giggle. "What?" Michael joked, handing me the piece of paper. "You can't say I didn't come prepared!" I opened up the piece of paper, reading it outloud. "I'm gonna make a change.....for once in my life....it's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right...." "That's all I've got so far....I'm stuck" Michael said. I read the lyrics over again in my head, trying to think of something. "What's the message?" "Excuse me?" "The song's message.....what are you trying to say?" I asked. Michael was quiet for a moment before responding. "Oh boy. I guess I was thinking of something in terms of having a song that's about if a person wants to make the world a better place, they have to make a change in themselves first. You can't keep blaming the other person for your own faults and mistakes you know? The will to change should start with you....." I nodded, understanding where he was getting at. "So like, really taking a look at the reflection in the mirror type of thing?" Michael nodded. "Yeah" "Could you sing it for me?" Clearing his throat, Michael began to sing the lyrics softly as I closed my eyes. When he finished I still had my eyes closed, the next set of lyrics already forming in my head. "Um, Hazel?" "Wait...." I put a finger up, immediately grabbing a pen and writing on the paper. "There" I said, handing the paper over to Michael. "I turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat.....this wind is blowin my mind....." he said, looking over at me. "That's really good, like the flow of your lyrics match well with mine" he confessed causing my cheeks to grow warm. "I wanted to mention something about poverty though and how it affects children too" "So, maybe talking about seeing them in the streets and they have nothing to eat?" I asked. Michael nodded. "Yeah.....I see the kids in the street, with not enough to eat....." he sang, walking over and grabbing the pen to write the lyrics on the paper. "Who am I to be blind, pretending not to see their needs...." he continued. "That's good" I commented, beginning to sing something else. "A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top, with a one man's soul......quick right that down!" Michael frantically scribbled down the lyrics as well as a couple lines of his own. "Alright we've got the first verse down....now we just need the chorus and we'll be good" Michael said. "What about......I'm starting with the man in the mirror......I'm asking him to change his ways and no message could've been any clearer...." I sang. "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change....na na na na" Michael sang back, finishing the chorus. It took about a half and hour for the two of us to put the song together. Michael decided It was gonna be called 'Man In The Mirror' since that phase was mentioned a lot in the hook. "Oh my gosh....this is amazing!" I said, a huge smile on my face. "It isn't all that...." Michael said. I looked at him like he was crazy. "Not all that?! Michael, this could be a major hit! I can't wait for Quincy to hear this! He's gonna love it.....it'll be like some sunshine for the world...." Michael chuckled. "Well I have you to thank.....you're not that bad of a songwriter Haze" "Thanks....I try" I joked, shrugging my shoulders, looking over at the clock. Michael glanced up as well. It was getting pretty late. "Well uh, you better get going then" I started. "But what about your essay? I can help you write it if you want" Michael winked, taking a seat next to me at the desk."And what do you know about sociology Mr. Jackson?" I joked. Michael rolled his eyes. "Think of it as a favor for helping me write my song Ms. Johnson"

By the time I finished writing the final touches of my essay, I placed the paper back in my folder. Glancing over my shoulder, I was surprised to find Michael sprawled out on my bed, knocked out. He did say he wanted to lay down (claiming he had a headache) but I didn't expect him to actually fall asleep. I couldn't help but giggle as he snored a bit. Getting up from my chair, I stretched and went in the bathroom to go change into my pjs. When I came back out I jumped. "O-Oh! I thought you were asleep" I said. "I was....but when I woke up I noticed you weren't in here....I thought maybe you had gotten bored of me haha" Michael said. "No of course not....you don't bore me" I confessed. Another wave of Awkward silence had fallen in the air. "Hazel?" I glanced up. "Yeah?" "Come here...." I nervously swallowed, walking over towards him. "What's up?" Michael didn't reply instead he patted the seat next to him on the bed. I could feel my heart literally want to burst out of my chest as I sat down next to him, my vision locked on my fingers that were folded together in my lap. It didn't help that I wore matching pink hello kitty pjs. God he must think I'm such a loser. "Hey....you don't have to be nervous around me....I don't bite.....most of the time" Michael joked but I still kept my vision on my hands. I hated the fact that I felt like a bundle of nerves whenever Michael came close to me. "I've been thinking about your question...." he started, his hand reaching up to remove my black locks out of the ponytail. "W-What question?" I asked in a voice that didn't sound like my own. He was having some type of affect on me. "About why I....kissed you....." I closed my eyes, the feel of his fingers massaging my scalp felt so good. When I opened my eyes and found the courage to look over at him, there was this look in his eyes I couldn't quite describe. Michael's eyes then wandered down to my lips. "The reason why is because......Hazel, I, I really like...." he whispered, his face getting closer to mine. I felt my breaths become slightly laboured as his forehead rested against mine. "I really like....." he whispered again, his breath on my lips, driving me wild. God, how badly I wanted the feeling of those lips attacking mine, taking me into another world. "....Those hello kitty pjs.....I like em a lot!!! Hahaha what are you, 5?!" Michael joked, laughing hard. I felt my face grow warm from embarrassment. Still laughing, he stood up from the bed. "What? What do you think I was gonna say?" "N-Nothing" I replied quietly, standing up as well. "Well I better get going before I'm recognized. I'll see you at the studio tomorrow" Michael said still laughing a little as he quickly put his disguise back on and left my dorm. Closing the door behind me, I slumped to the floor. "Don't worry Michael, I like you too" I whispered, the tears rolling down my cheeks.

That night after Michael left my dorm I wasn't really able to get any sleep. I couldn't get over how he played me off. It's obvious by now that I can tell he likes me he just doesn't wanna admit it. I like him no matter how much he gets under my skin with his pettyness. When my alarm went off the following morning, I took extra time getting outta the bed, taking a shower and getting dressed. I wasn't really in the mood to go to the studio today. After putting on a pair of jeans with a grey long sleeved shirt, I took a seat on the edge of my bed, a blank look on my face, my mind drifting off. Finally I let out a sigh and walked out of the dorm, getting in my car and driving to the studio. By the time I arrived, I was 10 minutes late but I didn't care. I was not in the mood. Once I walked inside I took a seat at the control table, setting my stuff down. "Bambi! There you are!" Quincy said, giving me a hug. I smiled a little. I was just glad he was finally back. Noticing my quietness, he cocked his head to the side. "What's wrong?" I shook my head. "Just Tired" I could tell Quincy wasn't buying it but he didn't ask me any further questions which I was thankful for. When Michael walked into the studio he looked just as tired if not more tired than me. We made no eye contact as he said a quick hi to Quincy and went straight inside the booth. "......Did somethin happen between y'all two while I was away?" Quincy asked. I almost choked on my spit. Coughing, I quickly shook my head. "No not at all" Quincy gave me a look. "Mm hmmmm well, whatever it is, don't let it interfere with your work. Mixing business and pleasure NEVER end well...." by now I was pretty sure my face was the color of a ripe tomato. I didn't respond as I pulled my notebook out from my bag and begin taking notes. Michael had finally recorded 'Man In The Mirror' he even had the Andre Crouch choir come in and supply their backup vocals. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't amazing to experience it. It took about 2 hours to record the song since Michael kept 're recording certain vocals and harmonies. When Quincy played it back I was speechless. This song was definitely gonna be a hit and hopefully help change some lives. The next track up for recording was 'Leave Me Alone' Quincy decided that now was a good time to take a little break. "Alright smelly take 5" he said in the mic as Michael removed the black headphones and walked out from the booth. When he came into the main room, he pulled out his cell and began scrolling threw it. I kept my vision casted down on my notebook. There was an awkward tension in the room that Quincy could sense. "Well uh, I'm gonna go to McDonalds. Y'all want anything?" "No" Michael and I responded at the same time, not looking up. "Alright then. I'll be back" Quincy left leaving Michael and I alone. I then pulled out the salad I had packed inside my bag and started to eat. "How can you eat that?" Michael said, it was the first time he spoke to me since I arrived. I looked over at him but his eyes were still locked on his phone. "Its healthy?" I replied. ".....it's gross" Michael said as his phone began to ring, answering it he walked out into the hallway. I started to play back 'Man In The Mirror' nodding my head to the beat. Alright, it was official. This was probably one of my fav tracks so far that he's done. As I sang softly along with the lyrics another thought had hit me. Why didn't he tell Quincy I had helped him write this? Instead he said that it was all HIS idea. For some reason that didn't sit well with me. I deserved to get credit to, after all HE was the one who came running to me because he suffered from writer's block in the lyrics. "Wait, what?!" I heard Michael yell out in the hallway, startling me. "Please tell me this is a fucking joke right?" Why did his voice sound like that? It was almost as if he was trying not to cry. "I, I can't right now I'm at the studio!" Michael said, hanging up. I quickly went back to eating the remains of my salad as he slowly walked back inside the room. "Turn that off...." he demanded. "But-" "TURN THAT FUCKING SHIT OFF HAZEL!!!" Michael screamed and I immediately shut off the track. He then walked back inside the booth, slamming the door. What the hell was his problem?! When Quincy came back we tried to record 'Leave Me Alone' but it just wouldn't work. Something seemed really off with Michael. It was like his entire mood changed. He kept messing up his vocals. Quincy was getting fed up. He thought Michael was acting up on purpose. "Alright well, when you get it together, we'll try to finish" Quincy said in the mic as he started to pack up his belongings. He did NOT like his studio time being wasted. "I'll see you Bambi. Try to talk some sense into him or something" Quincy said as he left. I nervously cleared my throat, watching silently as Michael threw his headphones off and stormed outta the booth. As soon as he saw me he put his hand up. "Don't.start." he warned and I swear that sparked something in me. Standing up from the chair, I gave him a piece of my mind. He turned his back towards me and started packing up his things. "What the hell is your problem?!" I snapped. "All day you've been acting like nothing but a spoiled brat and I don't appreciate the fact that you didn't tell Quincy that I helped write that song! I swear, you're such a little-" "My nephew is in the hospital. He got hit by a car" Michael turned around, cutting me off and I felt the color drain from my face. I felt my body go numb. "Wait, w-what?" I whispered shocked. Instantly I felt like crap. "You're joking....." but I could tell from the look on Michael's face he wasn't. His expression was blank. Unreadable. "I got a call from my brother. His son Taj was outside playing and his ball rolled out into the street...." I closed my eyes, no longer wanting to hear the rest. When I opened them to look over at Michael, he was looking me straight in the eyes. "God Michael, I....I'm so sorry" I said, the tears forming in my eyes. "I have to go see h-him" Michael said, starting to walk away but I grabbed his wrist. "Here, I'll go with you. You shouldn't be alone" "No I'll be fine" he lied. I could tell he was about to loose it any minute. He was just trying to hold it in. "Michael, I don't think you're in the proper state to-" "Damnit I SAID I'M FINE!" Michael snapped, snatching his wrist out of my grip. He started to walk away, his chest heaving up and down. "Michael wait, oh my gosh MICHAEL?!" I screamed in horror. He wasn't even near the front door when he had collapsed. 

"Michael?! Oh my gosh Michael wake up!!!" I heard the female voice as I felt myself slip in and out of consciousness. It wasn't long before the person rushed to my side, touching my face that my eyes slowly opened. That's when I felt the sharp pain. "Damn" I breathed out, grabbing the back of my head. I must've hit the floor pretty hard. It didn't help that the floors were wooden. "You a-alright?" I heard her soft voice ask. It was Hazel, her deep brown eyes wide with fear. She slowly let go of my face. She always had such a soothing voice even though I'd NEVER admit that out loud. Nodding silently, I tried to get up off the floor, ignoring the intense pounding in my head. "What happened?" I asked, looking around. "You fainted. You said something about Taj being in the hospital...." "My nephew...." I whispered, shutting my eyes suddenly feeling sick all over again. Noticing this, Hazel said "I offered to take you to the hospital but-" "Take me please" I confessed.

It was a silent ride on the way to the hospital. Hazel kept her eyes straight on the clear roads ahead while I sat in the passenger seat, looking mindlessly out the window, watching as the empty streets passed by. I wanted so badly to say something to her  or have her say something to me to break the awkward tension. "What hospital is it again?" She asked, her eyes still locked on the road. "Uh, it's St. Maryworth's" "Okay" was all she said. I let out a sigh. Well, so much for trying to make small talk.....Once we finally reached the parking lot of the hospital, Hazel cut off the engine, her vision casted down on her fingers. "I'll wait in here" That's when I looked over at her. Why was she acting so distant towards me? Maybe she just doesn't wanna be bothered. I didn't respond as I unbuckled my seat belt and got out, walking slowly towards the hospital entrance. The moment I stepped inside I heard the nurse at the front door gasp. She looked to be around 21/22. "Oh my gosh your Michael Jackson!" She squealed excitedly. 'No, I'm Prince' I thought to myself but instead flashed her one of my trademark smiles. "Hi...." I looked down at her nametag. Mackenzie. "Mackenzie? I'm here to visit Taj Jackson. He's my nephew. Could you please tell me what room he's in?" Suddenly Mackenzie's face went grim. "He's located down the hall towards your left" I tried not to let the look on her face get to me as I walked down the hall and immediately saw all of my family standing around. I let out a shaky sigh. Hold it together Michael. Be wrong. "Hey Mike" somebody called out. It was my brother Jackie. We hugged. Truth be told this was the first time I had seen my family in a while. I was never really close with them to begin with especially since all my brothers decided to get married and leave the house when I was younger. "Where's Tito?" "In the room with Taj" Taj was his youngest son. "How's he doing?" I asked. Jackie was quiet for a few minutes. "Taj got banged up pretty bad. He broke his arm and sprained his leg. He's got a couple cuts and bruises on his face...." I could tell Jackie was trying hard not to cry. "The rest of the family saw him but he kept asking for you in particular" Jackie said causing me to smile a little. I was Taj's favorite uncle to be around. We'd always have a lot of fun together whenever I'd visit. "I guess I'll go inside then...." I said, removing the dark sunglasses I wore and walking inside. "Uncle Mike!!!" Taj called out, a bright smile on his bruised up face. I returned the smile, sitting on the edge of the large bed. "Sup kiddo. You gave us quite a scare. What were you doing?" "Tyring to get my basketball.....it rolled out in the street but I didn't see the car...." Taj's voice trailed off as he looked down at his blue hospital blanket. I walked over and gently pulled him in my embrace. "I'm just glad your alright" I whispered, the tears threatening to fall down, stinging my eyes. "I've missed you uncle Mike.....you never come around anymore...." Taj said. "I know, I'm sorry I've been so busy lately" I have lied. I mean, yeah I've been super busy with preparations for 'Bad' but then at the same time, I really didn't feel like dealing with my family right now.....yeah, call me selfish. Suddenly Tito walked inside with his wife De De. "Hey...." Tito started, I could tell he was surprised to find me here. I gave a small smile. "How long will it be for Taj to heal?" "Doctor said for the next couple weeks he's gonna have to take it easy...." De De said. I nodded. "And all this had to happen right before his 8th birthday" Tito said, shaking his head as  he took a seat next to his son. "Joe wanted to speak to you by the way...." I pretended to roll my eyes in my head. "About?" I asked. "He didn't say....probably about something business related" Tito said. I hummed in response, walking out of the room. "Get well soon kiddo" I quickly gave my nephew a kiss on the cheek and hug before leaving. "There you are. Thought I'd never see you again boy" I instantly felt my blood boil at the sound of that low gravel voice. HIS voice. My father. I slowly turned around. "What do you want now Joseph" "Boy you better not raise your voice at me like that....you know who I am?" He pointed a finger at his chest. I rolled my eyes. "I'm not lending you any more money if that's what you wanted" "What the HELL is yo problem?! You do realize if it wasn't for ME you'd be NOTHING you hear me?! NOTHING" Joseph yelled, pissed. Ignoring him, I started to walk down the empty hallway but then Joseph grabbed me, throwing me hard against the wall. "Boy don't you fuckin walk away from me when I'm talkin to you.....you ungrateful son of a bitch" he said before bringing his hand up and slapping the SHIT outta me. I froze on the spot, not knowing how to respond. Noticing this, Joseph smirked. "You better learn how to respect me boy or there's gonna be more where that came from...." he warned, roughly letting go of me and walking away. I shut my eyes, a hot tear rolling down my cheek and I roughly wiped it away with a trembling hand. I then left the hospital, my vision cast down on my penny loafers the entire time.

By the time I reached outside into the cool night air, I really felt the tears trickle down my face. I quietly got back inside the car. It wasn't until after I closed the passenger door that Hazel jumped up. She must've fallen asleep. Was I gone THAT long? Yawning a bit, Hazel started the engine but then cut it off. "Michael, What happend to your face?"

Hazel's POV:

I let out a small yawn, wiping at my eyes. I had dozed off into a deep sleep when Michael finally had returned. He had tears streaming down his face but kept his vision casted on his lap. When I looked over at him, I tried hard not to gasp out loud. There was a huge welt on his face, turning his skin a reddish purple. It looked like someone slapped the mess outta him. "Michael, what happened to your face?" I asked, cutting off the car engine. He needed to explain this asap. "Its nothing...." Michael mumbled, looking out the window. A silence fell over us. "You....if you don't wanna tell me, you don't have-" "Joseph slapped me" Michael cut me off. "Joseph?" I asked. "My father....he did this" Michael's voice trailed of as he turned in his seat to face me. I took in his appearance. He looked a mess. His brown eyes looked red from crying so hard and he just looked overall exhausted. Letting out a sigh, I quickly started the car engine back up and to my surprise, Michael reached over, placing his hand on mine. "Are you uh, doing anything tomorrow?" He asked. I shook my head. "Don't you have to record tomorrow?" "I wanna take a day off...." ".....Okay?" I said, confused as I started to pull out of the hospital parking lot. Why was asking me that? The rest of the ride back to the studio was awkward as hell. It seemed like Michael had a lot on his mind. Once we reached the studio, I looked over at him. He had wanted me to drop him off so I could crash back at my dorm yet, he still sat stiff as a board in the passenger seat. "You okay? How was your nephew?" I asked. "He's....he's gonna have to take it easy for a few weeks but he'll be fine...." Michael replied, not really looking at me. "Okay well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" This was getting too damn weird. Letting out a sigh, Michael got out of the car and started to walk towards the studio but then before I could even drive away, he called out my name. I looked up. "Yeah?" He nervously cleared his throat before starting. "The reason.....reason why I asked you if you were doing anything tomorrow is because I was wondering if uh.....if you'd wanna hang out with me? I mean,but if you can't that's fine I-" "Sure, I'd love to" I said, surprising him and myself. "R-Really?"Michael's voice cracked. It was adorable to say the least. He smiled wide. "Alright then! Be ready around 7:30...." I made a face. "7:30? Why so late? Aren't we hanging out during the day?" I asked causing Michael to laugh. I think it was the most genuine laugh I heard from him all day. "What?" I asked, laughing as well but then my smile faded as I let his words sink in. Oh. My. Gosh. Was Michael Jackson actually asking me out on a....."Are you asking me out on a.....date?" I  found the courage to ask. Michael nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah but if you don't want to I don't care...." he tried to shrug it off. I smiled shyly. "No....I'd love to. I'll be ready by 7:30 alright?" "Alright" Michael said, smiling. "Where are we going?" "It'll be a surprise...." was all Michael said as he started to walk away. "Thanks for coming with me to the hospital!" he called out. "No problem!" I answered, starting to drive back to the dorms. When I got inside my bed that night, I could barely fall asleep. I had a date with Michael Jackson?! 'God, I hope this goes well.....' I thought, closing my eyes.

I had spent the  following day with my head burried in my books. It seemed like my professors really piled on the work I had to complete for their classes. On my way back to my dorm a couple of girls had made fun of me, tripping me in the hallway. I tried to ignore their harsh remarks and insults but as I entered my room, I couldn't help the tears that strolled down my cheeks. God I couldn't wait for graduation so I'd never have to see these people again. As I looked over at the clock on the wall. The time read 6:00. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about my date tonight. Hell, I was TERRIFIED. I was actually starting to have second thoughts about it. What if were all just some sick cruel joke? What if Michael never liked me to begin with? He had been on my mind all day. I even thought about calling him but my shyness got the best of me and decided against it. Truth be told if I did call him, it would be just to hear his voice. I had grown so accustomed to hearing it on a daily basis. Yeah, it's official I've got it BAD for Michael Jackson (no pun intended) but he was definitely doing something to me that I've haven't experienced or felt in a long time. As I go through the clothes I have in my closet I frown. I literally had NOTHING good to wear. Growing up, I was such a tomboy and my choice of fashion reflected it. "I don't have enough time to go shopping...." I softly say to myself as the hurtful insults the girls had said to me earlier replay in my mind. Maybe I should just call off the date and say I'm sick.....I go near the end of my clothing rack and I'm surprise to find a burgundy velvet short dress. As I pull it of the hanger, it hits me. This had been a gift from my older sister Aiko. God, I haven't seen her in years. She moved away to London with her boyfriend after my 16th birthday. We weren't all that close (my brother Keith and I were closer) but the old memories hit me like a tidal wave as I examine the dress, laying it on my bed. It wasn't my type of fashion to wear at all. Aiko had always been such a stylish girly girl and don't even get me started on her beauty. Letting out a sigh, I quickly go in the bathroom to take a shower. When I resurface, I out on my black bra and panties followed by the dress. It helps outline the little curves I had and shows just enough cleavage even though I'd rather not show any at all. It makes me feel like I'm some type of hooker. I manage to straighten my long black curls and attempt to do my makeup but of course I fail miserably. Damn if Aiko was here right now, she could definitely help me out and give me some much needed advice. I was shaking like a leaf on a tree. "Ouch! Damnit" I whine. I had accidentally poked myself in the eye with the black eyeliner. I go in my closet and put on a pair of black high heels that ny mother had given me a few months ago. This would actually be the first time I ever wore them. When I look over my apperance in the mirror I'm disgusted. "Why do I even bother.....I still look the same...." I say as I glance up at the clock and scream. 7:25?! I'M FUCKING LATE?!!!!!! Throwing the remains of makeup in my purse, I stumble out of my dorm, ignoring some of the curious stares I receive from some of the other students as I jump in my car, start up the engine and take off towards the studio.

Michael's Pov:

As I sit in my car, my fingers mindlessly tapping on the steering wheel, I check my watch for what seems like the 20th time. It was already 7:40. Where was she? I know I told her to meet at Epic Records and then I'd take her to our destination. Oh in case you were wondering, the surprise I had for Hazel was that I was gonna take her to the beach for our date. Back when she first became an intern, I remembered she told Quincy how she's only been to the beach like twice in her entire life and how she's always wanted to go again someday but didn't have the time. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: How the HELL did you remember that?! Honestly, I remember everything Hazel says. I'm always listening even though I'd never admit it. I had been able to get the beach reserved just for her and I so other than a couple locals, it'll just be us. I quickly readjust the black tie I'm wearing and smooth over my suit. I notice my hands were trembling. "Shit. I'm so nervous" I whisper to myself as I look over my appearance in the car mirror. My curly hair was down in a low ponytail. God I hope I look alright? Maybe this was too much to wear for a first date? I should've just kept it causal.... Just before I could start criticizing my looks, Hazel's car finally pulls up in the parking lot and I smile. I turn of the radio, slowly getting out of my car and start to walk over towards her. Play it cool Mike. Be calm....My heart was pounding so damn hard against my ribs. When I finally reach her car, I lightly tap on the window. She rolls it down and I gasp. "Hey.....why are you crying? What happened?" I asked. Sniffling, Hazel quickly gets out of the car and to my surprise, rushes in to my arms, her face burried in my suit. I chuckled a bit. "I uh, I missed you too...." I joke but it's the truth. I missed this girl like crazy whenever she wasn't around. Letting go of me, Hazel smiles. I reach out to wipe some of the mascara off her cheeks and she visibly blushed. "I uh, I couldn't get my makeup to corporate.....I know, I must look horrible" she says but I shake my head. How in the world could she even think that?! She looked....."Hazel you look amazing" I breathed out and she rolled her eyes. "You're lying" "No, I'm serious. You look beautiful. You don't need to wear makeup.....you're so beautiful without it....." I confess. God, I must sound so corny right now but I don't care. It's actually a shame she didn't realize how beautiful she truly was. A lot of people say the same thing about me....."T-Thanks Michael" she mumbled, smiling shyly. "You look really good in that suit!" I blush, covering my face in my hands making her laugh. I then hold out my arm, standing up straight. "Well, are you ready for your surprise Ms. Johnson?" I ask, making my voice purposely low. She giggled. "I sure am Mr. Jackson" she wraps her arm in mine and I swear my heart just leaped with joy as we walk back towards my car. While we were walking I noticed, she was walking a little odd, almost like she was in pain but I couldn't think of what it was. Shrugging it off, I start off the engine and begin to drive off, heading straight for the highway. It's about an hour ride to the beach from here. Boy I'm so excited to see her reaction I can't wait!

Hazel's Pov:

"Wanna listen to some music?" I hear Michael ask as we're on the highway. I had no clue where we were going but didn't bother to ask. It's not like he'd tell me anyway. "Sure!" I say as he leans over to turn on the radio and Immediately I let out a laugh at the voice that suddenly fills the car. "Oh God, please turn it off.....change it pleaaaaaase" Michael begs and I laugh even harder, shaking my head. "No I love this song man! Hey pretty baby with the high heels oooooon! You give me fever like I've never ever knooown!" I sing along with the song. "Hazel you're a trip" Michael jokes, shaking his head as I continue to sing along to 'The Way You Make Me Feel' I could tell he was somewhat amused by it and that made me feel good.

Michael's Pov:

I couldn't help but smile as I heard Hazel sing along with my song. She was too adorable. I swear, hearing my songs on the radio never failed to make me cringe. It was so awkward! After the song ended, we continued to make small talk as she went through all the different stations. It wasn't long before she stared out the window, falling asleep. I smiled......It wasn't long before we FINALLY reached our destination! Woooo! Parking the car, I looked over at Hazel who was passed out in the passenger seat. Feeling bold, I slowly leaned over, my face inches from hers. "Haze....wake up we're here....haze...." I whispered, reaching out to brush some of her hair off her forehead causing her to stir a little. "Mm I'm tired baby" she moaned softly in her sleep and I'm positive my heart had skipped a beat. DID SHE JUST CALL ME BABY?!! I felt my cheeks grow warm as I unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car, walking towards the  passenger side, opening the door, scooping her up in my arms. Naturally, I felt her cuddle against my chest and I chuckled as I started to walk in the sand, heading for the beach.

Hazel's Pov:

I woke up to the sound of something crashing against something. It sounded like waves....opening my eyes I looked around and gasped. HOLY MOLY HOW DID I GET ON THE BEACH?! The only thing I remembered was being in Michael's car before I fell asleep. Michael's car.....Michael......I frantically looked around. Where was he?! I noticed I was laying on a large white blanket. The air smelled heavy of salt water. "Oh my gosh...." I whispered, standing up. I could see the large ocean not to far away from where I was, the wind blowing slightly, ruffling my hair. Suddenly it hit me. This was the 'Surprise' all along. Michael took me to the beach.....I haven't been here since I was a child. It was one of my favorite places in the world even if I haven't been there often. "What a sweetheart...." I whispered to myself, the tears rolling like I river down my cheeks. A couple feet away, I saw a large beach house. I walked up to it, going up the steps and going inside. I needed to find him. I've gotta thank him for this amazing gift......

Michael's Pov:

I was in the kitchen, talking on the phone. "Yeah, we're here now mother. I hope she likes it too! She's sleeping now but hopefully when she wakes up, I'll be able to-" I turn around and find Hazel standing there, nearly scaring me to death. "Uh, mother I'll call you back.....love you more" I say before hanging up, placing my cell on the counter. "Hey...." I start. God, she looks so beautiful in the moonlight. I feel my heart begin to race as she she walks towards me, the sound of her heels clicking slowly on the floor echo throughout the large beach house. "Hey" she replies her voice soft. I watch as she takes a couple steps right in front of me, her face inches from mine. What is she doing? I lick my lips. "So uh, you like your surprise?" I start to ask but am cut off as Hazel's lips attack my own, surprising me. "Mmm" I groan out as I feel her fingers get lost in my hair, my grip tightened around her waist. Our kiss begins to get more intense as I feel my bottom lip go in her mouth and our tounges begin to dance. I slowly feel Mike Jr begin to surface up in my suit, making his presence be known and I quickly break the kiss, my chest heaving up and down like I had just ran some damn marathon. "W-Wow I'll take that as a yes?" I manage to say, my voice cracking a bit causing Hazel to laugh. She nods. "Thank you so much Michael.....this, this is amazing" she wipes her eyes as new tears begin to form and I pull her in my embrace. "I just figured for our first date, I wanted it to be some place special...." I whispered in her ear. It feels so good to hold her in my arms. If I could just hold her all night I'd be content with that. When we do let go of each other, I walk over to my bag, pulling out my dark blue swim trunks. "Oh I uh, I also bought you a bathing suit too.....it's in the guest room if you wanna go swimming?" I asked. The look on Hazel's face was priceless. She had the BIGGEST smile. "Of course!! I LOVE swimming!!" She said, kissing my cheeks and running off to the guest room, reminding me of an excited child. "Thank you!" I heard her call out. I laughed as I said "Your welcome! I'll see you outside!"

Hazel's Pov:

Once I reached the guest room, I let out the excited squeal I had been holding in. I was so happy!!!! I saw the two bathing suits on the bed. One was a black one piece. The other one was a white bikini. Holding them both up, I couldn't decide which one to wear. Hmmmm pick the one he'd LEAST expect Haze.....after putting on my bathing suit, I wrapped a large towel around my body. Before leaving I checked myself in the mirror. I quickly threw my hair up in a messy bun and smiled a little. For once in my life I actually liked what I saw. Inhaling a deep breath, I opened the door, walked down the steps and outside into the warm night air.......

Michael's Pov:

I was hunched over, intensely building another sand castle (Yes I'm a GROWN man who still likes to do that) when Hazel walked out. It wasn't until she dropped the towel off her body that I looked up, my breath getting caught in my throat. "Wow...." I whispered, speechless. I couldn't stop staring. Once she reached where I was, I still continued to stare at her like I had lost my mind. "What?" Hazel joked, adjusting the straps of the white bikini. She looked down at the sand castles I had built and laugh. "Aw I didn't know you still did that too!" She plopped down in the sand, immediately grabbing a pail and shovel. "You look...." "Don't start" Hazel said, looking over at me. I reached over, tucking a thick lock if hair behind her ear, causing her to shudder. "Why must you amaze me Hazel Johnson?" Hazel shrugged, blushing. "I....I don't know" she whispered, crawling over to me. She took my hand in hers, pulling me up and the two of us started walking down towards the ocean. "I don't know why I amaze you Michael Jackson.....but you know what you do for me?" She asked, her voice low. Was she trying to turn me on?! Damn It's working. "What's that?" I ask. "You.....you drive me.....CRAZY BOY!!!" She yelled, pushing me and I fell head first in the water.

Hazel's Pov:

I swear , I've never laughed so hard in my life! I continued laughing as Michael came up completely soaked head to toe  ".....the hell was that for Haze?" He asked, wiping water out of his eye. I crossed my arms. "What? We're even.....member back in my dorm that night? You know, with my hello kitty pjs?" Michael thought about it then nodded. "Okay....you got me.....BUT KARMA'S A BITCH AIN'T IT!!!" He yelled, lifting me up in his arms, throwing me in the water too.

Michael's Pov:

"Ugh Michael!!!" I heard Hazel whine. She was too damn cute when she was mad. "That ain't fair man!" She stomped her foot in the sand. "Aw don't pout babygirl" I cooed trying to touch her face but she slapped my hand away, pushing me in the water again. When I resurfaced, I saw her take off full speed down the empty beach. "Uh uh I'm gonna get ya for that!" I yelled running after her. She might've been fast, but hell I was FASTER.

Hazel's Pov:

Damn he was fast! Michael was literally on my heels as I tried to run away from him but of course my clumsily ass tripped over my own foot in the sand, causing me to fall. Michael jumped on top of me, looking me deep in the eyes. "I'ma get you for that girl...." he growled before letting out a yell and tickling me all over. I tried with all my might to break free but he was too strong. "S-stop! I'm t-ticklish!!!" I yelled making him only laugh harder.

MICHAEL'S pov:

It wasn't long before Hazel was able to roll me over and now she was on top, tickling the hell outta me. "Damnit I'm ticklish t-too!!" I yelled as she threw her hair back, letting out th  most beautiful laugh I've ever heard. She looked and sounded genuinely happy for he first time in a while and I felt beyond proud to be the reason for it. After our laughter had died down, Hazel still sat on top of me, her legs straddling my hips. Her black hair had fallen out of its bun, tumbling down her shoulders, shaping her round face, giving her a certain glow. I bit my bottom lip as I continued to look at her face. "You know, you really shouldn't stare....it's not good for your eyes bud" she said, her voice soft. Sitting upward in the sand, I wrapped my arm securely around her waist, leaning in to kiss her with all the passion I could muster. It left us both breathless. "I've got another surprise for you....close your eyes...." I said as she got off of me, sitting next to me in the sand. She covered her eyes with both her hands and I got up. "Keep em closed girl!" I yelled out as I ran towards the beach house to get the little black box off the counter. Once I returned, I took a seat back in the sand, opening up the box.

Michael's Pov:

I felt Michael reach over and place something around my neck. "Okay....open your eyes...." I heard him say. I looked down and gasped, touching the gold heart locket with my fingers. "You like it?" Michael asked. I nodded, sniffling. "Michael it's beautiful! Thank you so much" I cried, wrapping my arms around his neck.  "Shhh it's alright" I heard him whisper as I continued crying. "But I, I can't accept this" I had managed to say. It was a beautiful necklace but it must of costed him a fortune. Plus, we weren't even together as a couple yet.....or were we? I had never had ANYONE buy me such an expensive gift, let alone a guy. I then started to think about all the mean things Michael had ever done and said to me since I met him. Were we rushing to quickly into things? I've never been in an relationship before and honestly, I  didn't know if I was truly ready for that type of commitment yet. I was feeling confused.

Michael's Pov:

"But I, I can't accept this" I heard her say and my heart immediately crumbled. "Why?" I asked, my voice quivering. It was starting to scare me how utterly silent she had became. "Hazel?" I called out her name, touching her face. She let out a shaky sigh. "Michael.... Michael, what are we?" She started. "What do you mean?" I lied. I knew EXACTLY what she ment. "Aren't we just friends? Because friends don't buy each other things like this...." I didn't know how to respond so she continued. "I don't know I just feel so confused you know, like we're r-rushing....God please don't be mad at me...." her voice broke. I quickly shook my head, the lump already forming in my throat. "I'm, I'm not mad at you. I'm sort of confused too...." I confessed, letting out a nervous laugh as I rubbed the back of my neck with my hand. "It's not that I DON'T like you Michael, because believe me I do....a lot more than I should...." Hazel's voice trailed off. I looked over at her. "I like you alot too......from the first moment I saw you" I whispered. Hazel unclasped the necklace, giving it back to me. "I just need some time to think about it okay? I'm sorry" she said, standing up. Taking it from her, I stood up as well. I was sure she could see the look of pure hurt written on my face. I Wasn't even trying to hide it anymore. "Michael.....please don't be-" "I promise I'm fine" I softly reassured her, trying to smile threw my tears. "You hungry?" I wanted desperately to change to subject. Hazel nodded. "Lets go eat some dinner then alright?..." my voice trailed off as we both walked silently back towards the beach house, the two of us lost in our thoughts....

Needless to say, the walk back to the beach house was awkward as hell. I felt horrible for not accepting Michael's gift but for some reason my conscious kept warning me that things were moving way too fast. After all, it was only our first date and we weren't even considered a couple right?? I knew in my heart I had made the right choice but I could tell it really hurt Michael even though he claimed he was fine. The moment we were back inside, I looked around the house, not really knowing what to say to him. I must've looked like a complete idiot just standing near the front door playing with my fingers. Finally Michael spoke. "I'm uh, I'm gonna make dinner...." "Okay....I'll go wash up then-" "Whatever" Michael cut me off before quickly turning his back towards me, pulling out pots and pans. Letting out a sigh, I walked back into the guestroom. After washing my hands and face, I put on a pair of white cotton shorts with a white t-shirt. My hair was still wet from the ocean so I threw it up in a messy bun, letting a few curls fall in the front. By the time I had made my way back towards the kitchen, Michael had set up the table. All the food was neatly prepared and ready. Feeling my stomach growl, I took a seat at the table, examining my plate. "You.....You made chicken Alfredo with shrimp?" I asked, amazed. This was one of my favorite foods. How the hell did he know...maybe it was just a coincidence. Nodding, Michael fixed himself a plate. "I've always liked pasta and seafood so...." Well that didn't really help answer my question.....I started eating but then stopped after I noticed what Michael was doing. Noticing the confused look on my features, he cleared his throat. "I uh, I'm gonna eat outside...." Suddenly it hit me...."Michael....I-" "Hazel I already told you I'm fine okay? I'm fine....at least now I know how you feel about me" Michael said, opening up the door and leaving. Once I heard the door slam, I looked back down at the half eaten food on my plate, suddenly loosing my appetite. "He's pissed at me...great" I mumbled to myself as I got up and cleaned my plate in the sink. I then headed back to the guestroom, throwing myself on the bed. "Come on Haze don't.....don't cry" I whispered, already feeling the tears well up in my eyes,  trickling down my cheeks. Now he was probably gonna give me the cold shoulder because I didn't accept the necklace. I swear, it seemed like whenever Michael never got his way, he'd throw a huge fit and ignore everyone. Since the moment I've met him, he's acted that childish way. I pulled out my cell and started texting my older brother Keith. I could sure use his advice. I don't know how long I stayed in the guestroom talking to my brother until I fell asleep. Snapping awake, I glanced over at the clock. 2:45 am. Well so much for trying to go back to the dorm.....Yawning, I got out of bed and headed into the kitchen for a glass of water. Other then the sound of my bare feet against the wooden floor, the entire house was dark and quiet. Where's Michael? Was he still outside? Ugh Why do I even care?! I tried to shake thoughts of him out of my head as I opened up the refrigerator, pulling out some strawberries to nibble on. It wasn't long before I heard a noise. It sounded like someone hitting their hand down on their thigh, making a beat. That sound then was followed by a voice. HIS voice. I couldn't really hear what he was saying but he was definitely singing something.....Out of curiosity, I tip toed down the hallway towards Michael's room. His door was opened a crack so I was able to see him a little. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, a pen and notebook next to his side. "Hmmm" he hummed, closing his eyes as he let out a sigh. "Our love's in motion....give me a notion cause you I'll never part our.....our love goodbye....." Michael softly sang before quickly writing the words down. "I love in season.....give me a reason cause you know we'll never part our love goodbye.....and together we'll fly....I'll give you my heart.....no place too far for us....we....don't....need it...." he sang. I had never heard this song before but the way he sang it sounded so beautiful. Achingly beautiful. "Baby don't make me, baby don't make me, please baby don't make me fly away....I'm gonna stay...." he said, writing it down. Suddenly he stopped writing and his head snapped up causing me to jump away at lightning speed from his door. I made a dash down the hall, rushing back inside the guestroom, closing the door.....

The following morning I was still passed out underneath the covers when I felt someone walk in the room, pulling the covers back. "Wake up. We're late" I heard the voice say but I didn't budge. I was exhausted since I barely got sleep the night before. "GET UP!!!" Michael screamed, waking me up instantly. When my eyes met with his, I was surprise to find him smirking. "Get yo ass up! I'm already an hour late for the studio because of you..." he said, his brown eyes burning right threw me as he got up and left. Wow.....he didn't even say good morning? Rolling my eyes, I got dressed, putting on the burgandy velvet dress I had wore before.. After packing everything up, Michael and I walked back down towards his car. He got right in the driver's seat, leaving me to place the rest of the bags in the trunk. He didn't even open the passenger door. I was getting irritated from his behaviour. Getting in the car, I purposely made note to slam my door causing Michael to shoot me a glare. "Slam it again....and I swear to God you'll be walking back" he warned, starting up the engine and driving off. I kept my vision casted on the window the entire ride back to the studio, refusing to make any eye contact. He was seriously getting on my last nerve with his bitchy attitude. Once we finally reached the studio, I had never been so happy to see my car in my life. "Make sure you come back for recording today and be on time since it was YOUR fault I was late for the meeting" Michael said, his tone bitter. "I have classes today I can't...." It was true. I did have classes I couldn't miss back at college. Michael gave me a look. "And?! What does that have to do with me?!" "What the hell is your problem?!" I snapped. "Is it because I didn't take the necklace? Seriously?! Listen Michael I'm just not ready for-" "Look I obviously fucking KNOW that already!" He rudely cut me off. "See, That's EXACTLY why I didn't take it! Why are you so mean to me?! I've done NOTHING to deserve it!" I yelled, my body beginning to tremble with emotion. "All you had to do was say that you don't like me but instead you just lead me on! I pulled out all the stops wasting my precious time and money on our date and you don't even like me?! So don't pull that bullshit excuse on me Hazel! You fuckin used me!" Michael yelled back. WOAH WHAT?! "USED YOU?!! I NEVER did that!" I yelled, my blood beginning to boil in my veins as my breathing hitched. What was the use? Fighting with him wasn't gonna solve ANYTHING....."I'm not....I'm not going to the studio today...." I started to calmly say. "Excuse me?" "I said I'm not going!" I repeated. "Well then you can kiss your internship goodbye!" Michael yelled and then he said something that I never expected. "Besides that 'necklace' was ment for Tatiana anyway but she's allergic to pure carrot gold....." "ASSHOLE!!! I HATE Y-YOU!!! I QUIT!!" I screamed, the tears streaming down my face as I ran towards my car and drove back to the dorms. I couldn't even make back to my room when I had bumped into somebody, causing their books to knock on the floor. "Shit....my bad. I didn't see where I was going...." the guy said, picking up his books. His voice was smooth and low, almost like he was rapping but just talking normally. The moment our eyes met, I made a face. I had never seen him before. He wore dark jeans with a white shirt and red flannel. A black LA snapback was on his head, covering up some of the black twists he had in his hair. On his shirt was the letters T.D.E. I wonder what that stood for? The guy laughed at my reaction as I openly looked him over. "I uh, I'm new here....name's Kendrick" Kendrick said, holding out his large caramel hand for me to shake. "H-Hazel" I managed to stutter trying not to get lost in his soulful eyes. Suddenly Kendrick flashed me a wide grin, cocking his head to the side. "Hazel Johnson right? I think your my Woodcrest buddy haha" he joked a  the realization hit. That's right. I had signed up for being a part of Woodcrest College's buddy pack system. Basically it would be my job to help show New students around the school and become friends with them. "Has anyone told you you're extremely beautiful? Especially in that dress. You're working it!" Kendrick had said, snapping me outta my thoughts. "Um....thanks" I said, shyly tucking a couple curls behind my ear causing him to chuckle. "I'm glad I got you for a buddy" he said making me laugh a little. 'Me too...' I thought to myself as I looked over his schedule, helping him find the easiest route to his next class.

For the remainder of the day Kendrick and I continued to hang out. He was very easy to talk to and had a great sense of humour and was such a prankster. I had found out that he originally was from Compton, California. He was 22 years old. He was a new artist signed on to Top Dawg Entertainment. "Oh so that's what T.D.E. stands for...." I said, glancing over his shirt again as the two of us ate lunch in the cafe. I had received a lot of stares from some of the other students but tried to pay them no mind. Kendrick nodded, taking a bite of his pizza. "Yeah right now it's a small record label, but we're hoping it'll blow up and make press. We're actually looking for interns for the the studio too...." I gulped, suddenly remembering that I had quit my internship earlier. "That sounds cool...." my voice trailed off as we finished lunch. For the next couple days Kendrick and I continued to hang out. He was so fun to be around. It was nice to know that I had at least ONE true friend to be with around campus. Of course, I could sense that he had a crush on me.....I'd be lying if I said I didn't have one on him as well. He seemed like such a sweetheart and we got along so well. It was on that Friday when I walked out of my dorm and was surprised to find Kendrick standing at the door with a bouquet of red roses and a huge white teddy bear. "Happy birthday!! Hazel looking so pretty and fresh today" He rapped  causing me to laugh. Can you believe I honestly forgot it was my birthday? I was finally turning 21! "Aw thanks Kenny...." That was a nickname I often called him. I quickly set the gifts in my room as we both walked to class. The whole day seemed to be going by fairly well. Kendrick was acting very protective of me, making sure I had the perfect birthday. It was adorable. "So You enjoying your b'day so far?" Kendrick asked as we reached my dorm later on that day. I nodded, unlocking the door with the key. "Yeah! it's been such a-" "SURPRISE!!!!" The voice yelled when I opened the door. "Oh my gosh Keith?!" I yelled running into my brothers open arms. "Happy 21st babygirl! You didn't think I'd miss it did ya?" I shook my head, the tears flowing down my face like a river. "I, I thought you were still in Disney with Mariah and Cameron!" "Aw no girl! I left the wife and kid at home to rest....we actually just got back awhile ago....I definitely wasn't about to miss my baby sis b'day!!" Keith said as he walked towards my closet, opening it. Suddenly another figure popped out and I screamed. "AIKO?!!! STOP IT!!!" I closed my eyes, not believing that my older sister was actually here. I hadn't seen her since I was 16. "Aww honey don't cry!" Aiko lifted me up in her arms, spinning me around, tears in her eyes as well. I felt so happy! I had missed my brother and sister so much. The rest of the day consisted of all of us hanging out. Mom and dad called, wishing me a happy birthday. Even Quincy sent me a long birthday text message making me smile. I had introduced Kendrick to Keith and Aiko. Keith and Kendrick were already getting along pretty well while I caught up with Aiko. Somehow they all talked me into going to the club later on that night for my birthday. At first I had declined against it but then I changed my mind. I needed to have some fun! I've earned it damn it! While Keith and Kendrick sat in the car, talking about sports and music, Aiko and I were still getting ready. I swear, she had changed so much since the last time I saw her! She was tall and slender. Her jet black hair was super straight and flowed past her shoulders, down her back and she had her nose pierced as well her tongue and belly button (navel). She wore ripped jeans with a pink crop top and high heels. I on the other hand, had no IDEA what to wear. "Ugh! This is hopeless!" I whined, throwing my clothes on the floor. "What's wrong bae?" Aiko asked, applying the finishing touches to her makeup. Why couldn't I be born as a girly girl too?! I let out a sigh. "I have nothing.....cool to wear" I confessed. Aiko giggled, making her way to my closet, going threw my clothes "Oh you're right!" She joked, running over towards her pink chanel suitcase. "Here you can wear my clothes then!" Right before I could respond my cell started to ring, taking it out in the hallway, I answered it. It was a number I didn't recognize. "Hello?" ".....Hazel where the hell have you've been?! You think you're all big and bad enough to avoid people huh?!" My mood immediately changed at the sound of the voice. "Michael, how'd you get my num-" "You know, you've got a LOT of nerve trying to leave before the album's even finished! What are you stupid or something?! You can't just do that! Do you know who I am?!" He angrily yelled over the line. "I already told you, I quit!" I said, my voice becoming slightly shaky. This was too much. "NO YOU CAN'T QUIT! YOU HAVE TO BE FIRED YOU.....YOU STUPID BIRD!!!"Michael screamed and that really made me loose it. "How DARE you call me t-that! I told you not to NEVER call me that! The reason I didn't come in was because I'd rather spend my birthday with my family than at an empty studio with your arrogant ass!" I sobbed, covering my hand over my mouth in attempt to muffle the sound of my cries. There was silence on the other end of the line. "Wait?....today's your-" "Goodbye Michael. Don't ever call me again" I hung up, walking back inside my dorm. "Alright I found the perfect-....hey Haze what happened?" Aiko asked, rushing to my side. I quickly shook my head wiping my face. "N-Nothing. Let's just go to Club Midnight please? I could REALLY use a couple drinks right now...."

Michael's Pov:

I continued to sit in the recording booth stiff as a board in silence as I replayed Hazel's words over and over again in my mind. The sound of her voice breaking. Shit. I had no idea it was her birthday today?! Wow now I REALLY feel like an ass for being so horrible to her. It was uncalled for and extremely immature. Why do I always keep hurting her?! Now she'll probably never want anything to do with me....I burried my face in my hands, my sobs the only sound echoing throughout the empty booth. Quincy had left a while ago. It seemed like all we've been doing is fight lately. Honestly, I didn't know if this album was gonna be finished by end of August. There was still so much shit left to record. I had tried recording one of the songs that I had written earlier back at the beach house but for some reason it just wouldn't work. Quincy kept saying that I wasn't emotionally 'there' and that my vocal delivery didn't sound believable enough and even somewhat forced. Of course I told him to f off causing a huge dispute between us and him to leave the studio. I looked down at the lyrics sheet. I had titled the song 'Fly Away' of course the song was about Hazel and I. Lately I've been writing a lot of songs about her in particular. She was driving me fucking wild whether I wanted to admit it or not. I had to face facts. Grabbing the paper off the stand, I crumbled it up, throwing it in the trash before pulling my cell back out, this time dialling another familiar number. The person answered on the second ring. "Hey Eddie? Yeah it's me Mike. Listen, what was the name of that club you wanted to go to tonight? Club Midnight? Well count me in.....I could REALLY use a couple drinks right now...."

By the time we reached the club, it was literally PACKED with people. All either dancing or drinking their life away. I had never been so happy to finally arrive. Of course on the way here, one of Michael's songs had came on and I remembered reaching over and quickly changing the station, causing a few confused glares from Aiko, Kendrick, and Keith. "What? It's such a stupid song...." I said in defense. Once Keith pulled into the parking lot, I immediately jumped out causing Kendrick and Aiko to laugh. "Somebody's excited huh" Kendrick joked. I nodded as we all headed for the entrance, going inside. There was something so intoxicating about the atmosphere of Club Midnight. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone, enjoying themselves. The music was loud, I could feel it vibrate through my body. It was a throwback hip hop joint. Looking down, I quickly readjusted the outfit Aiko had let me wear. I was suddenly beginning to feel a bit self conscious. Noticing this, Kendrick gently grabbed my hand. "You look great" he whispered in my ear, making me smile shyly. "Alright birthday girl you ready to get crazy?!" Keith yelled as he threw an arm over my shoulder. I had let go of Kendrick's hand. "Yeah!" I responded. We had been in the club for over and hour and Keith ans Aiko were STILL out on the dancefloor. I had taken a seat at one of the mini tables, sipping on some cherry coco cola, watching, taking everything all in. I still couldn't believe I was at a club! "Hey bday girl! You enjoyin yourself?" I heard someone ask. It was Kendrick. "Yeah this is....so cool" I confessed slightly embarrassed. Chuckling, Kendrick nodded and took a seat next to me, a drink in his hand. "You don't dance Haze?" Laughing, I shook my head. "Nah I don't have the best rhythm" I checked out the outfit he wore. Grey jeans with a white t-shirt. The cologne he wore smelled really good too. Once again he had a LA snapback hat on his head. I reached over, taking it off. "I like seeing your hair Kenny. I love your twists" I joked causing him to laugh. Suddenly my phone began to ring. Looking down at it I made a face at the person who was trying to call me. "Wrong number?" Kendrick joked. "Yeah" I said, putting my cell on vibrate but then I received a text message. From Michael: 'Come on, I kno ur there. PICK UP UR PHONE we need to talk asap' 'Leave.me.alone' I quickly responed before shoving my cell in my little purse. Once again I had reached down to adjust my outfit. I had felt Kendrick's eyes on me the entire time. He smiled a little. "Why do you keep doin that? You look beautiful girl....." "Thanks" I whispered, the feel of his fingertips brushing lightly against my arm did something to me. The two of us remained quiet for a while, just gazing in the other one's eyes. Kendrick was the first one to speak."So I know earlier you said you don't dance, but would you wanna.....with me?" He asked, standing up. I stood up as well. "I uh....I don't know..." I started to say, feeling myself go a bit weak in the knees when Kendrick licked his lips, flashing me another sexy smile. "Um, I've um, I've gotta use the restroom first okay?" I stuttered. "Alright. I'll be waiting for that dance when you get back bday girl...." Kendrick's voice was low in my ear, causing chills up my spine. "I'll be right back" I whispered, nearly tripping over the heels I wore as I tried to make it past the people packed on the floor dancing, heading for the bathrooms. Alright to be honest, I really didn't have to use the bathroom it was just an excuse to get away from Kendrick. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't turning me on but for some reason someone else was on my mind instead.....

Michael's POV:

"Alright Mike you ready to get turnt the FUCK up man?!" I heard my friend Eddie Murphy ask well, more like yell as we got out of the black suv. I nodded, chuckling. "Is he always like this? Obnoxious? I mean I know he's a comedian and all" I joked to Nicole. She was Eddie's fiancee. Laughing, she nodded. "24/7. Y'all need to hang out more!" The moment we entered Club Midnight all eyes were fixated on us, people immediately starting to scream and crowd around us. Letting out a sigh, I rolled my eyes. You'd think I'd get use to people responding to me like this, that I would love it but in reality I fucking hate it. I could never fully grasp what made people loose their shit around me. I leaned in to Eddie's ear. "Don't these people have anything better to do than just stare at us?" I whispered. Eddie laughed, signing a few autographs and posing for pictures. He LOVED being in the spotlight so he could care less. I on the other hand, awkwardly stood next to Nicole. I really didn't wanna take any pictures or sign things. I just wanted to go to VIP, sit in one of the booths and get ridiculously drunk until I can't see straight. After security pushed some of the fans away the three of us made our way upstairs to the VIP section. 'About damn time.....' I thought to myself, taking a seat at one of the booths, immediately feeling my body relax. Eddie and Nicole were already starting to make out. Not really wanting to see that, I pulled out my cell and tried to call Hazel. I couldn't stop thinking about her. I needed to make things right. "Come on....pick up" I whispered, my foot tapping impatiently on the floor. No answer. I then shot her a text. It wasn't long before my phone vibrated. Smiling in triumph, I read the message. From Hazel:'Leave.me.alone' my smile faded and I shoved my phone back in my pocket. "Bartender!" I called out. "Hit me up with a shot of gin please?"

Hazel's Pov:

I wasn't even able to make it to the bathroom when I had accidentally ran in to someone. "Hey watch where you're going bitch!" The woman yelled she was with another girl who had long blond hair. The two of them were both dressed like skanks. "Sorry I-" I didn't finish my sentence as I realized who I had bumped into. It was Tatiana. It wasn't long before Tatiana recognized who I was too. "You know here Tati?" The other girl asked. Tatiana nodded, looking me up and down. "Stacy she's the girl from the video shoot I was tellin you about. The bitch who stole my man away from me!" Excuse me?! "I didn't steal anyone away from you Tatiana" "YES YOU DID! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO RUINED EVERYTHING!" She screamed before shoving me, causing me to fall on my ass to the floor. Standing back up, I glared at her. She was unbelievable. "You know, it's not MY fault he left.......you were probablytoo boring anyway and I'm not just talkin about in the bed either...." "YOU LITTLE BITCH!"  Tatiana growled before attacking me. "OH MY GOD TATI STOP!!" Her friend Stacy yelled scared, trying to grab Tatiana but she kept attacking me. "GET OFF YOU CRAZY BITCH!!!" I yelled, pushing her and slapping her in the face.....hard. Tatiana had then leaned in, grabbing my hair causing me to let out a loud scream of anger. Damn that shit hurt. It wasn't long before another person had stepped in, picking me up, holding me back. "Put me down Kendrick!! Let me finish the bitch! I'm sick and tired of her bullshit!" I yelled. "Oh and you've already got a man too?! What a fuckin slut" Tatiana said, wiping the blood from her bruised lip. There was a huge red welt on her cheek. "Listen, security just warned that either you two break it up or they're gonna throw somebody out" Kendrick said, placing me down on the floor. "Fine. Mark my words This ain't over bitch" Tatiana spat, purposely shoving my shoulder as her and a still terrified Stacy walked away. "Whatever...." I mumbled, trying to fix my curly hair. Tatiana had yanked it so hard I was pretty sure my scalp was gonna be sore for days. Kendrick then stared at me, patiently waiting for an explanation. "She's.....nevermind" I said, grabbing his hand and heading back towards the bar. "Hey Bartender!" I called out. "May I have a shot of gin mixed with juice please?"

Michael's POV:

One of the best things about staying in the VIP section of a club is that you're able to pretty much see everything that's going on below on the floor from a distance. Eddie and Nicole were still lounging in one of the large booths, practically tonguing each other down. I had already managed to scarf down 3 drinks of gin which was pretty impressive. I was never that much of a drinker but I needed something, anything to numb this intense pain I felt in my heart. Letting out a heavy sigh, I staggered over towards the railing, looking down at the sea of people below on the dancefloor, dancing their asses off, having the time of  their lives. Wish I could say the same....From a distance I was able to make out a figure on the floor, it was the LAST person I wanted to see too. "Shit....I've gotta get some air..." I whispered to myself trying to head for the exit that went into the back ally but right before I hit the last step, there she stood in front of me, blocking my escape. Gotdamnit. "M-Mike? What are you doing here? I thought I saw you up here in VIP" I winced a bit at her appearance. "Tatiana what happened to your face?" "Got into a fight....." she mumbled, crossing her arms. "YOU actually fought someone?" I tried hard not to laugh out loud. Tatiana couldn't fight for shit. She was so weak. Who the hell tried to fight her? "Baby I've missed you...." she purred, reaching out to touch my chest but I pushed her manicured hands away. "I'm not you baby anymore. Who'd you fight?" "None of your business! Why don't you want me!" Tatiana tried to change the subject. She wasn't slick. "Listen Tatiana, we just grew apart alright? I don't love you Tatiana. I never did. If anything, all you ment to me was nothing but a quick fuck. You could do a whole lot better than waisting time chasing me.....because I'm not gonna chase you back.....It's time for you to move on now. I already did" I said. It was the truth. "Oh okay cool" was Tatiana's response as she kept her vision on the purple and silver short dress she wore. I could tell what I had said hurt her and she was trying not to cry. This just made me feel fucking worse. That fact that I had a couple drinks in my stomach didn't help either. Suddenly feeling like the air was suffocating me I turned away from her, leaving. "Hazel moved on too...." I had heard her call out over my shoulder as I practically ran outside, not looking back.

Hazel's POV:

"Come on Haze don't you think you've had enough to drink?" Kendrick had asked, concern written all over his face. I giggled uncontrollably, touching his face, pinching his cheeks. "Awie Kenny! It's my birth (hiccup) day! I'm allowed to drink!" "Yeah but not THIS much. I think that's enough" he tried to take the glass away from my hand but I had stood up too quick, causing some of the liquor to spill on me. "Great! See what you made me do Kenny?! Get ya own drink! I whined. It felt like the club was spinning. Suddenly I wasn't feeling too well after that. Maybe Kendrick was right after all. Noticing the look of horror in my face, Kendrick said "You gonna be sick?" I quickly covered my mouth, nodding as I made a dash towards the back exit of the club.

Michael's Pov:

Once outside, the feel of the cool night air hitting my face, I instantly felt a lot better. I kept taking in deep breaths, my head leaned back against the brick wall for support. I just wanna leave now. I wasn't even in the mood for staying any longer. "Shit why am I shaking?" I whispered, examining my trembling hands. Fuck I hope I wasn't about to have a nervous breakdown. Oh hell no I've gotta get out of here FAST. I was known to suffer from panic attacks every now and then. The LAST thing I wanted was to have one now, especially in front of all these people. It would probably be headlining in the tabloids by tomorrow morning. These people didn't need to know about the secret I've been hiding for years now. Right before I could go back inside to get Eddie and Nicole, the back door opened, signifying another person had walked out. I immediately felt my body stiffened. Shit I hope she wasn't a fan.....her back was towards me so I couldn't really tell exactly who she was. Once the girl made it outside she was hunched over, throwing up in the grass. I tried to hold in my laugh. She probably couldn't hold in her liquor. "Ugh God..." I heard her softly moan out before throwing up again. I looked over what she wore. White skinny jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. Black high heels and a white crop top. It was basically an an all white outfit that really helped bring out her smooth caramel skin. Her long black curls, a bit dishelved were down, falling all in her face. Maybe I should help pull her hair back so it wouldn't get covered in vomit? I decided against it because what if she turned out to be some insane fan who might jump on me if I touch her? And I didn't have any security with me either? Too risky. "Um, excuse me ma'am? You alright?" I had called out causing the girl to stop coughing and stand completely still. "Oh shit...." I heard her say as she slowly turned around to face me. Immediately it felt like the wind was knocked outta me. "H-Hazel?" I whispered, in pure shock.

Hazel's Pov:

"Um excuse ma'am? You alright?" I heard the person asked, signifying that I wasn't along outside like I originally had thought I was. The moment I heard that voice, I had stopped coughing, my heart pounding hard against my ribs. I knew that voice anywhere.....the softness to it but it still had a masculine tone and never failed to make my heart flutter. "Oh shit...." I cursed, turning around. "H-Hazel?" Michael whispered, in absolute shock. "Did you follow me here Michael?" I asked. Shaking his head, Michael tried to regain himself. "No. I, I had no idea you were gonna be here. I just came with some friends...." There was an awkward silence that hung in the air. "I'm....I'm sorry I forgot your birthday...." Michael started. I shrugged. "Look its fine. I've gotta get back inside" "Hazel, wait" he called out, grabbing my wrist. I snatched it away. "Hazel We need to talk...." "About what?! I'm NOT working for you anymore. I can't stand the way you treat me and you still didn't give me credits for helping you write 'Man In The Mirror' I'm done Michael" I said. "Hazel please, just listen to me. Can you come with me back to the studio? There's something I need to tell you and-" "NO I said I'm done with you!" I yelled, beginning to shake. "A-All you've ever done is hurt me and I just can't take it anymore. It's like whenever YOU don't get your way, you throw a bitch fit and take your anger out on ME. I've done nothing to deserve that....I used to have feelings for you but looking back, I never saw why since all you did was step all over them" I said. Almost on que, the back door opened. "There you are! You alright Haze?" It was Kendrick. Looking over at him, I smiled. "I'm fine now. Let's go" I grabbed his arm and headed back inside the club, leaving a stunned Michael behind.

Michael's pov:

When Hazel said that, I felt my heart shatter to the ground. Then to make things worse when the back door opened again, some guy I had never seen before walked out asking her if she was ok. Who in the actual fuck?! "I'm fine now. Let's go" she said, flashing him a flirty smile before grabbing his arm and the two of them rushed back inside. I felt my stomach churn with jealousy and rage but also hurt. An immersive amount of hurt that seemed to overshadow the jealousy and rage. So this is what Tatiana must've ment....Letting out a deep sigh, I quickly wiped at my eyes, heading back inside the club. I had to find Eddie and Nicole. I couldn't stay in here anymore. I just had to face the facts. Hazel didn't want me anymore and it was my fault.

Hazel's pov:

The moment Kendrick and I were back inside the club, I couldn't stop the tears that had flowed down my face. I couldn't stop replaying Michael in my mind. The look on his face when I told him I was done with him. And when he saw Kendrick, instead of looking like he wanted to destroy something, he looked like he was about to cry and that broke my heart even more. He had me so freaking confused with my feelings towards him. Aiko and Keith were still out in the dancefloor. They had been out there all night. "You alright?" Kendrick asked. His arm was wrapped around my shoulder, rubbing my back. I sniffled. "Yeah I'll be fine. Can we just go back to the dorms now? I don't wanna be here anymore...." my voice trailed off. "If that's what you want" Kendrick said, pulling out his cell to call a cab and we left. I just needed to do something, anything to help get Michael off of my mind.

Michael's pov:

"Eddie. Hey Eddie I'm ready to leave now. I'm gonna head back to the studio for a bit" I said. I was back in the VIP section. "Aye Mike, are you cryin?!" Eddie said, laughing. I quickly shook my head. "Its dust in my eyes. Look can we just go though? This club ain't all that anyway. I'm tired" "Aw Mike come on man we-" "EDDIE NOW" I snapped and Eddie and Nicole got right up, grabbing their things and we left. "Thank you" I mumbled, climbing into the backseat of the car, my vision casted on the window. I had so many songs running through my mind right now that I needed to get off my chest. Music was my therapy and right now I needed it BAD.

Hazel's pov:

 When Kendrick and I had reached my dorm room. I quickly texted my brother and sister thank you for taking me to the club and that I was safe back at the college. "You uh, you want me to leave so you can get some sleep?" Kendrick said, opening the door. Walking over towards where he stood, I slowly closed it back. "No...." I whispered, looking deep in his eyes. He seemed confused. But he didn't understand how badly I wanted to get Michael off my mind. "Kiss me...." I suddenly blurted out. "Wait what?" Kendrick's voice cracked. "Please.....just kiss me.....I want it" I whispered, pulling him by the collar of his white shirt, urgently crashing my lips on his. Our kiss was a bit awkward at first but it wasn't long before I felt Kendrick relax and kiss me back. I frantically wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers playing with his hair as his hands tightened their grip on my waist. Our kiss was starting to get more heated as our hands roamed all over each other. "Mmm babygirl" Kendrick groaned out, placing kisses on the inside of my neck. I let out a small moan in response. The way Kendrick's lips felt on my skin. It felt so damn good. Too good. Immediately it started reminding me how Michael's lips felt. "Oh....oh god Michael" I softly moaned out, feeling my eyes roll back but it wasn't until I had realized what I said that my eyes snapped open. "Why'd you stop?" I breathed out. Kendrick didn't respond right away. His vision casted on his sneakers before he spoke. "You called me Michael......" Not knowing how to respond, I just looked down at my fingers, feeling utterly embarrassed. Kendrick let out a little chuckle. "I'm not mad if that's what you think" "Kendrick I, I like you and-" "But you like him more...." Kendrick cut me off. "Was it the guy I saw outside with you? You know he sorta looked like Michael Jackson a little.....maybe it's just a coincidence" I shook my head. "No it isn't....it was him" I whispered. "Wait, so that actually WAS MJ?! Daaamn I should've asked for an autograph or some shit!" Kendrick joked making me smile a little. "I take it a lot must've went on between you two huh....." Letting out a sigh, I nodded. "I'm sorry Kendrick" I said, feeling like an ass that I had lead him on. To my surprise, Kendrick pulled me in his embrace for a hug. "Hazel listen, no matter what, I'm always gonna like you. You're a beautiful amazing girl but it's obvious that your heart still belongs to him. You must have some serious feelings for him...we can still remain friends if that's what you want?" "I'd like that....." I gave him a smile. "Alright you're my homegirl then haha" The both of us laughed. "Well uh, where is he?" I gave Kendrick a look. "Excuse me?" "Do you know where Michael could be? I know you probably wanna see him! I don't mind driving you to wherever he might be....." Kendrick said, grabbing his car keys. I smiled. He was too sweet. "Thanks so much Kendrick" I said as the two of us left my dorm, heading for his car. "No problem! I just hope you had an epic as hell birthday!" Kendrick said, starting up the engine. Buckling up my seatbelt in the passenger seat, I couldn't hide the smile that was on my face. I think I had a pretty good feeling where Michael might've been...... 

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Kendrick asked as we pulled up in the parking lot, snapping me out of my thoughts. Nodding, I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt, getting out. "Thanks again Kendrick" I gave him a smile. Kendrick smiled back. "Anytime. Hope you Have fun bday girl" he winked before driving off. Letting out a sigh, I made my way inside Epic Records Studio. Hopefully he was in here...."Hello?" I called out as I walked inside. It was utterly silent and all the the lights were off. Turning a few of them on, I headed for the bathrooms to freshen up. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile a little at my appearance. Aiko's clothes had really helped bring out my figure and I'm just NOW noticing and appreciating it. I ran a hand threw my black curls, putting it up in a high ponytail before entering back in the studio. It was still quiet. "Maybe he's not here after all...." I whispered to myself, taking a seat at the control table. As my body slumped in the chair, I leaned my head back, closing my eyes. Sleep was trying to take over, making its way through my veins. When I reopened my eyes I was surprised to find a little silver gift bag near the corner of the wall. How come I didn't notice it before when I had first walked in? Standing up, I picked up the bag and brought it back over to the table. I pulled out the picture that was inside. It was a picture Michael and I had taken right before we had went to the beach for our first date. One of the locals had taken it. In the photo, Michael and I stood side by side, he was in his black suit, me in my burgundy dress. His arm was draped over my shoulder, pulling me in towards him while my head rested playfully on his shoulder. Michael's vision was casted on me while I looked directly into the camera. The smiles on our faces were so genuine and pure. It actually looked like we were a couple having fun. It amazed me how much emotions could be stored in a photograph. "I can't believe he kept this...." I whispered as I turned the picture over and was surprised to find a message written on the back in Michael's cursive handwriting. It read: 'I keep this pic as a memory of what could've been. What should've been but I ruined it. Hazel Johnson is such a rare unique beauty. She's such a pure amazing soul but I know she'd never want be with someone like me. She deserves a man way better and I'll never be able to give her what she needs. All I've done is cause her hurt and pain because I experienced that in past relationships. She did nothing to deserve all the anger I lash out on her. It kills me inside knowing that I upset her. I admire her strength and her drive for being successful in this business. I wanna be the one to hold her at night. The one she can tell all of her secrets to. Her dreams. Her fears. Her goals. I've been crazy about her since the first moment Quincy introduced me to her. She's nothing like any of the women I've met before in my life. I love the way she laughs, the sound of her shooting voice when she talks,when she sings. The way she licks her lips whenever she's nervous. The way her smile can light up a room. After seeing her with that guy at the club, I can tell she's moved on. Hopefully he'll treat her the way I should've and she'll truly be able to be happy. Hazel Johnson will always have a piece of my heart. She's the reason for my creative muse when it comes to music. I'll try to do anything to earn back her trust because I'll always love her until the day I stop breathing. Always'-Michael Jackson "Wow...." I whispered in shock. Was Michael actually in love with me? Did I feel the same? Honestly, I didn't know. Placing the photo back in the bag, I pulled out the little black box that was inside. There was the gold locket inside. I quickly stood up, holding the silver bag with trembling hands as I tried to head for the back where the bedrooms were but right before I could, one of the doors opened and Michael walked out in his pyjamas. It looked like he had just woken up. He tiredly rubbed his eyes, letting out a small yawn. "Hazel? What are you doing...." he didn't finish as he noticed the tears in my eyes. He then looked down, taking in sharp breath as he saw what was in my hands. "Shit I'm....I...." Michael stuttered, not really knowing what to say. His cheeks had turned the color of crimson. "You're in love with me?" I asked. Michael was quiet for a while before answering. "Y-Yeah I am" his voice was soft. He seemed so scared. "I know you don't feel the same way but that's okay...." he said. "When....when'd you write that?" "After I came back from the club. It was a way of getting my feelings off my chest...." he confessed. Suddenly I felt horrible for invading his privacy and reading it. "I uh, I called Quincy and talked to him about giving you credits" Michael said, pulling out a piece of paper, handing it over to me. On the paper were the lyrics to 'Man In The Mirror' with my name written in bold letters as the author. I was speechless. "Where's your name?" I asked. "I didn't want it printed. YOU deserve all the credit Hazel. If it wasn't for you that song probably wouldn't have been made....I may have had some input but it was all your creation originally" "Wow uh, thanks" I said, setting the paper down on the table. There was a silence that settled over us. Michael had walked over to the front door, opening it. He cleared his throat, nervously scratching at the back of his neck. "Well um, if you want me to take you back to your dorm now I don't mind...." Walking over to where he stood, I slowly closed the door. "I don't want to go back to the dorms...." my voice trailed off. I took a seat on top of the table. Michael stood in front of me, looking down at the floor. He sseemed so embarrassed. "Michael come here...." I whispered pulling him towards me. "I've been thinking about it...." I started to say, pulling the gold necklace out from the box. I placed it in Michael's hands as I said "And I've made my decision" Looking down at his hands, Michael seemed confused. "I understand if you don't wanna be with me Hazel but I want you to keep this....it's a gift" I let out a giggle, shaking my head. "I do want to be with you silly! I'm willing to give us a second chance but please don't make me regret it Michael" I warned. "W-Wait you're serious?" Michael's voice cracked. I laughed. "Yeah I am.....are you crying baby?" I touched his face. Sniffling, Michael smiled wide threw his tears. "You, you just called me your baby...." he picked me up in his arms, laughing as he spun me around in the studio. He then placed me on top of the sound table. "Hazel I'm so sorry about the way I've been treating you. I'll never act that way towards you again....I've gotta start earning your trust back and I do whatever it takes..." "Shhh" I said as I brought his face to mine and started to kiss him. I noticed throughout our kiss, he seemed to be holding back almost as if he was hesitant. Breaking the kiss, I leaned in, my lips resting on the inside of his neck. I had licked, bit, and kissed so much on the caramel flesh that I was pretty sure I had caused a few hickies to form. Michael let out a low groan, his grip tightening around my waist. I could feel 'him' throb against my inner thigh. He was getting turned on too. Suddenly he broke our kiss, resting his forehead against mine, his breathing deep. "I, I can't" he said. "W-Why? You have my trust now...." I said but Michael shook his head. "No I don't. I, I just don't want us to be rushing into things.....because once I start I won't be able to stop.....I'll wanna go all night" I swear hearing Michael say that sent shivers of excitement up my spine. I wanted him so badly. Was that so wrong? "Don't you want me too?" I asked, feeling slight rejection. "Of course I do. More than anything in the world but I have to earn your trust back first. The last thing I want is for you to wake up in the morning only for you to realize that you've made a mistake...." Michael's voice trailed off. I shook my head, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel the heat rise throughout my body. That tingling sensation in my lower abdomen. "But I'm ready now. I want you, I want it" I practically begged. Michael let out a sigh. "I want you too, so damn bad" he said as he started to back away from me. "Michael?" I asked confused. What was he doing? "Its the lust that's speaking. You're letting your body do the talking instead of your mind....I won't make love to you yet until you feel the same way. I know you don't love me yet and I understand I don't mind waiting if that's what it takes....." Michael said. I remained silent, suddenly feeling like some hooker. "Please honey don't be upset" Michael said, reaching out to touch my face. I immediately felt myself melt under his touch. "It's.....it's still my birthday...." I started. "Yeah?" "And...." I let out a shaky sigh, not really knowing how I was going to say it. Noticing this, Michael grabbed my hand. "What is it?" He asked softly. "And....what I really want is, is for you to touch me.....I mean, we don't have to make love but I just want you to touch me.....I need it" I confessed, my eyes closed for fear of how Michael would react. I had heard him let out a sigh and I felt like an idiot for admitting that's I wanted. Why did I even bother? "I'm so pathetic...." I whispered laughing a little as a tear rolled down my cheek. I felt Michael's finger gently wipe it away. "Hazel.....Haze please look at me" I opened my eyes. Michael's brown eyes had darkened. He then held out his large hand for me to take. "Come here..."he whispered, helping me off the table as we walked back towards where the bedrooms were.

Michael's pov:

"Come here...." I whispered, taking her hand in mine as I helped her off the table and we walked towards the back of the studio where the beds were located. Once we reached my bedroom, Hazel took a seat on the edge of my bed while I shut the door, locking it. I turned to face her and she had her vision casted on her fingers. I could tell she was nervous. Hell, I was too. I walked towards her. "I'll do whatever you want me to do okay? Your wish will be my command....." I said as I kneeled down on the floor in front of her. Hazel let out a shaky sigh and nodded. "Kiss me...." she breathed out, grabbing my face as our lips devoured each other. I then started to place kisses on the inside of her neck. "What do you want me to do baby?" I asked through our kisses. "T-Touch me please" Hazel said, taking my hands and placing them on her breasts. I could feel her erect nipples through the fabric of the white crop top she wore. I let my fingertips slowly graze over her nipples, playing with them. "Lay down...." I whispered, getting up and standing in between her legs. "Take it off....." Hazel whispered. I let the white crop top fall to the floor. "Wow"  I whispered, in awe of her beauty. I placed my hands on her breasts, giving them a firm squeeze causing her to moan. "Michael please.....k-kiss me" she begged. I kissed all over her chest, placing her erect nipple in my mouth, sucking on it. I then started to place butterfly kisses from her chest to her stomach all the way down towards her abdomen. I purposely stopped there, my lips right above the waistline of her white skinny jeans. "Michael...." Hazel whined causing me to chuckle. "You want me to keep going?" "Please....." I then slowly unzipped her jeans, letting them fall to the floor, leaving her only in a pair of red panties. I smirked. "You're wearing one of my favorite colors" I joked causing Hazel to giggle. I felt her intake a sharp breath as I slowly started to caress her through her panties. God she was soaking wet. It drove me wild knowing I was causing that. Immediately I felt Mike Jr begin to rise again in my pj pants. She was turning me on BAD. "Alright I'm gonna take them off now.....we can always stop now if you want...." I said. "No. Don't. Please keep going" Hazel said as I removed her panties. Holy Damn. "Are you relaxed?" I asked her. I had placed my index finger in my mouth. Hazel nodded. "Okay...." I slowly spread her thighs apart. The moment my finger entered her warmth, she let out a loud gasp, her initial reaction was to try and close her legs but I kept them apart with my other hand. "Just relax....." I whispered as I slowly fingered her. "Mmmm" she moaned out, her hips slightly thrusting with my rhythm. "How does it feel?" I asked, my voice slightly lower than usual. God, seeing her like this did something to me. I had bit down on my bottom lip in attempt to hold back my own moans as I watched her continue to moan and wiggle in pleasure. She was so fucking sexy. "It feels soooo goood" I heard her say, her head leaned back against the pillows. She had gotten more comfortable. Licking my lips, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to taste her. "I'm gonna try somethin else now alright?" "O-Okay" I slowly leaned in, placing tender kisses on her inner thighs before entering my tongue in her womanhood. "O-Ooooooh!!" I heard Hazel cry out as I continued to devour her like she was my last meal. She tasted so good. I wouldn't stop until I got enough (yeah I just quoted my OWN song) "Oh Michael, right t-there" she moaned, her fingers getting lost in my hair, frantically tugging at it. I could feel her fingertips dig in my scalp. "Hmmm" I made a humming sound on her bud causing her to arch her back. I could tell she was close. "Oh my, I'm, I'm g-gonna...." Hazel cried out. Her thighs began to shake as she continued whimpering like a little puppy. When I lightly blew on her flower bud that's when she lost it. Hazel let out a breathy scream, calling out my name as she came hard. When she reopened her eyes to look at me I couldn't help but laugh. "You alright?" I asked. Nodding, Hazel sat up on the bed. There was a dazed look in her light brown eyes. She looked so breathtakingly beautiful. "You're amazing" she breathed out, a wide grin on her features. I shook my head, the blush creeping up in my cheeks. "No I'm not" Hazel had tried to cover up her chest with her arms but I slowly removed them. "You're the one who's amazing. You're so beautiful....." I pulled her into my embrace, kissing her forehead. Her head was burried in my chest. "Thank you...." she said. "For what?" I asked. Her fingertips touched my lips. "For giving me the best birthday gift I could ever have...." her voice trailed off as we kissed.

"Hey sleepy head....." I heard his playful voice say as I woke up the following morning. Sitting up in the bed, I let out a yawn. "Hey" "You sleep well?" Michael asked, bringing me some orange juice with a bagel and strawberries. He was dressed in black jeans with a blue flannel. His curly hair was down. By the way he smelled, he must've just gotten out of the shower (There was one in the studio). I nodded, taking a bite of the strawberry. "You bought this for me?" I asked in between bites. I was so hungry. "Yeah. I had a feeling you might be hungry" Michael said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. As I finished the rest of my food, I could still feel his eyes on me. "Is something wrong?" I joked. "What? Oh, no not at all....." Michael quickly said. It seemed like he was gonna say something more but kept quiet. "So, did you have a good birthday?" He asked softly. "Yeah! It was amazing.....you were amazing, what you did....." I confessed, looking down at my bagel, picking it apart with my fingers. "R-Really?" Michael seemed genuinely surprised. I giggled, crawling over towards where he sat. I was only in my panties and crop top. "Yeah you were...." I whispered, touching his face. Biting his lip, Michael reached out to tuck a few loose strands of hair behind my ear. "I thought I was horrible...." his voice trailed off as he leaned in and kissed me. It wasn't long before our kiss started to intensify. I straddled myself against his legs, causing him to release a low groan. I think it was safe to say he knew exactly what I wanted by the way my hips began to slowly rock against his. "H-Haze" Michael whispered, breaking our kiss. Hid face was flushed. "What's wrong?" I tried to sound innocent causing him to chuckle. "I think we should stop before this gets outta hand...." he placed a kiss on my forehead, getting up. I let out a sigh, getting up as well. "So today I've gotta film the video for 'Leave Me Alone' I was wondering if you wanted to come?" He asked. Smirking, I replied sweetly "Sure! I'd love to COME Michael....." "You're a mess" Michael joked, laughing. "I'll be in the control room while you get dressed then" he walked out. After showering, I changed into a pair of ripped jeans with a grey shirt. I let my hair down and put on some makeup. Looking over my appearance in the bathroom mirror, I touched the gold locket that hung around my neck and smiled, the butterflies swarming in my stomach. "Is Quincy gonna be there?" I asked as we got in the car. Michael nodded. "Yeah he wanted to see how the video was gonna be shot" he turned on the engine and drove off. 

Michael's pov:

By the time we reached the set and I got in to wardrobe, I was having a lot of fun shooting the video! I loved the concept of it dealing with the stupid tabloids and me being in my own world, trying to avoid it all. Quincy was there and it seemed like he was in good spirits again. He was standing next to Hazel, the two of them chatting about something. Is it wrong I practically kept my eyes on her the entire shoot? She seemed so happy and at peace. Every now and then I'd catch her mindlessly playing with her locket, her eyes would meet with mine causing me to shyly look away. Damn. I haven't felt this way about a girl in YEARS. It was scary how hard and fast I had fallen for Hazel but I knew in my heart she was the one. I could feel it. I couldn't help but smile as I heard her laugh at a joke Quincy had told her. "Alright Michael, you ready to shoot some more?" The director's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, I looked up. "Yeah" "And ACTION!" After about another half and hour of shooting Quincy had to leave in the middle to attend a business meeting. It was now time to film the scene of me in the rocketship with Bubbles. He was my pet chimpanzee I had gotten when he was just a baby. I actually had a lot of animals. They were all back home at the ranch. The only person who didn't know that I had bought my own ranch to live in was Hazel. I had decide to name it 'Neverland' since Peter Pan was one of my favorite stories as a child. "Wow.....he's too cute!" I heard Hazel coo. We were on a lunch break. "You can touch him if you wanna, he won't hurt you" I reassured her. She seemed a bit hesitant to walk towards us. "Oh okay" she slowly walked over, taking a seat on the floor. Immediately Bubbles got out my arms and walked over towards where Hazel sat. He sniffed and played with her hair causing her to laugh. "See, I told you he won't hurt you! I think he likes you too...." I said, laughing. I had never seen Bubbles be all over someone like this before, especially after first meeting them. "He's so precious....how'd you find him?" Hazel asked, playing with his hand. "I've uh, I've actually had him since he was an infant....." Hazel's eyes went wide. "Wait, he's YOURS? That's so cool!" Chuckling, I nodded. "What's his name?" "Bubbles" I watched as Bubbles took a seat in Hazel's lap, playing with her ripped jeans."Boy he REALLY likes me huh!" She joked, placing a kiss on the top of his head. It was adorable seeing how she reacted with him. "I like you more though....." I flirted. Hazel visibly blushed. Suddenly the director walked back in, a smile on his features. "Aw do you mind if I take a couple of photos of you two?" He quickly got his camera out. "Sure" Hazel and I replied at the same time. "Just continue looking natural" the director called out, snapping pictures. Hazel then looked over at one of the costumes on the table. "Ooo May I try that on?" She asked. "Go ahead!" The director said as he reloaded up his camera with more film. 

Hazel's Pov:

For some reason this costume REALLY caught my eye. It looked like the black dress pants Michael would normally wear and a red blazer/jacket with military accessories on the sides. If anything it looked like something Michael would wear but it fit me perfectly. "Wow...." Michael said when I walked out wearing the outfit. "How's it look?" I asked, twirling around. "Beautiful...." he breathed out, taking my hand. He had changed as well, wearing black pants with a long white dress shirt and black opened vest, a fedora on his head. He was getting ready to film the scene when he dances with the Elephant Man's Bones. "Alright just act playful you two!" The director said, getting his camera ready. Immediately Michael had crouched down behind me, his arm circled around my waist. I had my head titled to the side, laughing at something he was pointing out off camera, my hand resting on top of his. We continued to pose silly for the camera. One of the shots was of Michael with his arm around my shoulder, my head leaned back against his shoulder (pretty much like the picture we had taken at the beach). One of my favorite photos taken was one of me sitting in between Michael's legs. I had leaned inward, placing a kiss on his cheek while Michael looked in the camera, a shy smile on his face. "Wow you two look amazing in pictures together! You can literally see the chemistry! I take it you're a couple?" The director had asked. Michael nodded causing me to blush. "Yeah she's my girlfriend" he had circled an arm around my waist. I simply smiled. When the shoot was completely over, Michael had driven me back to the dorms. I had to attend class the next day even though I'd rather spend more time with him. "Aw do I have to come back?" I whined, batting my eyelashes. Michael let out a laugh, nodding. "Yeah you've gotta get your education FIRST. That's the priority baby....." I let out a sigh, getting out. Suddenly I remembered what he had said to the director earlier. "Michael...." "What's up?" "So, I'm actually your girlfriend?" Michael was silent for a few moments. "Come here...." he whispered. I leaned in the car. Michael then kissed me with so much passion and need it left me breathless. "I'll uh, I'll take that as a yes" I said. Michael nodded."Goodnight boyfriend...." I blew him a kiss. "Night girlfriend.....do well on your test tomorrow!" He said, driving off. As I walked back towards the dorm I had a huge grin on my face. 

The next couple days were going so well. I was having a lot of fun back in class and it seemed like Michael and I had gotten closer than ever. I didn't know whether to be excited or terrified by that. Kendrick and I still continued to hang out every now and then. He even had a girlfriend! I think her name was Tina. She was really sweet to be around. I was now back in the studio with Quincy going over and listening over to the tracks. 'Bad' was slowly coming to an end and now we had to decide what songs either were gonna make the final cut or get placed back in the vault. Running a hand threw my long dark locks, I let out a tired sigh. "How do you and Michael do this?" I joked causing Quincy to laugh. He shook his head, smiling. "Believe me Bam, smelly still hates doing this too! It's a gruelling process..." Quincy already knew about Michael and I being together. To be honest, I didn't even have to tell him! He said he sensed that eventually something would blossom between Michael and I. Suddenly there was a knock on the studio door followed by Michael walking inside. "How's it goin so far?" He asked, taking a seat next to me at the control table. He placed a quick kiss on my cheek and I blushed. "It's going well so far smelly. We're almost finished" Quincy said causing me to smile wide. We had been in the studio for a good 5 hours prior before Michael showed up. Looking over at me, Michael smirked. "I told you the song process was stressful!" Laughing, I nodded. It wad around 1:00 am the following morning when the 3 of us had all decided on exactly which tracks would make it on the album. Michael and Quincy had gotten into a little argument because Quincy really wanted 'Another Part Of Me' while Michael thought 'Streetwalker' would be a better fit. I argued that 'Fly Away' would be nice why they both said no to that. "Alright! It's official!! We're finished y'all!" Quincy said, giving Michael and I huge hugs. "Have you chosen a release date yet?" I asked, still not believing that the album had been completed. It was a bittersweet feeling to say the least. Michael nodded, adjusting the military jacket he wore. "We were thinking to release it on the 31st of August" I nodded. That was coming up pretty soon. "A couple days after your birthday" I said causing Michael to smile. "Yeah! I'll be 29.....wow I'm getting old" he let out a groan making Quincy and I laugh. "Well I'm gonna call it a night. Don't have too much fun you two!" Quincy joked, grabbing his stuff and leaving the studio. Michael then walked over to me, lifting me up in his arms. "I can't believe it's finally finished!" He yelled, spinning me around. I let out a little squeal, trying to release myself from his grasp. "I know right? It happened so fast!" I said as he placed me back down on the floor. The two of us were then quiet for a while as the realization hit. I didn't need to work for Michael anymore. My job originally was only to help with the making of the album and now it was done. Clearing my throat awkwardly, I held out my hand. "It was a pleasure working for you Mr. Jackson" I had managed to say, my voice quivering. Noticing this, Michael gently pushed my hand away and instead pulled me into his warm embrace. I felt my tears soak through the collar of his shirt. "Shhh honey it's alright. Believe me I was dreading this too..." I heard him whisper, running a hand threw my hair. Lifting my head up from his shoulder, I shyly wiped at my eyes. "It was a fun experience. I learned a lot from you and Quincy" I said, trying hard not to cry again. I had some strong feelings for this man and it was obvious that they showed no matter how hard I tried not to let it. "It doesn't have to end though....." Michael's voice was soft. I looked at him confused. Before I could say anything he continued. "I'm, I'm gonna be starting my tour soon. To promote this album. I was wondering if you would wanna come too? I'd love for you to be able to experience it with me....." I was silent, trying to take it in. "You want me to go on tour with you? But I, I'm still in school Michael plus I don't work for you anymore" "I know but we can have a tutor on the road with us helping you complete school and since you're my girl now, you don't need to work for me. But I can tell the others your my personal assistant if that'll help. Please Haze? I'd love for you to be there with me baby" he slowly started to place kisses on the inside of my neck. My weak spot. "I need you...." he mumbled against my flesh. "Alright, I'll do it...." I whispered as I felt him lift me up, placing me on top of the table. "You'll do it?" He asked, touching my face. I could feel myself getting lost in his soulful eyes, the way he was looking at me underneath the dim lightening, the way he was biting his lower lip. "Y-Yes...." I said, wrapping my legs around his waist, bringing him closer to me. "I swear, it's gonna be hard as hell to keep me away from you while I'm on tour....I can't resist...." Michael's voice was low, his grip on my thighs tightening. I let out a giggle, leaning in to kiss his lips. This was gonna be an interesting tour for sure.

Michael's Pov:

The day was finally here. The day I had been dreading for so long now. It was the 29th of August, 1987. I was turning 29 years old....damn. I know, I should be excited but instead I feel a sense of numbness and anxiety. Growing up, I was never really allowed to celebrate any holidays so I treated my birthday as any other normal day. I didn't expect  nothing special. As I rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom, I tried not to look at the other person who stared back in the vanity mirror. 29 years old....The following year I'll be 30....I quickly shake my head of the depressing thought. Is it wrong that I really hate the thought of getting older? It genuinely terrified me. After brushing my teeth, I remove my pjs and step into the shower, the hot water instantly soothing my tense muscles. God, it felt like my anxiety was on such high alert lately. 'Bad' was expected to drop in a few days on the 31st. Then to top it all off, I had to start preparing for my world tour. The tour I was going to do by myself...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling sort of happy to start it off in Japan. I had only been there a couple of times in the past but I always loved how the fans treated me over there. I had been preparing for a while now, getting together all the dancers, background singers, and musicians I wanted to be with me. However I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't nervous since I'm not performing with the rest of my brothers now. 'Victory' was a fun tour. Gruelling but fun however for some reason, I kept feeling like I was destined to do greater and bigger things with my career and my brothers were holding me back. I still remember that last performance like it was yesterday....We were in los Angeles. I had announced to the crowd of thousands of screaming fans that this would be the final time I'd perform on stage with my brothers. When the show ended though, my brothers were extremely upset, pissed, and shocked at my sudden decision to leave but it had been on my mind for some time. Not feeling in the mood for confrontation, I escaped straight back to the hotel. I knew they had to hate me for what I did. I felt horrible but then the success of 'Thriller' swept over and was able to help take my mind off it. The guilt. People kept wanting the next album I made be even better then 'Thriller' but I don't even think I can top that and it scares me to the core. I quickly wash up, getting out of the shower. As I walk back inside my bedroom, I take a seat on the edge of my bed, chewing on my lower lip. I really had nothing planned for today but that was fine. I didn't feel like doing anything. I continued to look around my room, a feeling of sadness taking over. I had been living in this house for a couple months now yet I had felt entirely alone. "I've gotta do something...." I whisper to myself, pulling out my phone to call somebody. Anybody. The rest of my family seemed busy with their own lives. Janet was still in Minneapolis, working on her album, Quincy was with his family although he did wish me a happy birthday in a text he had sent me earlier. Joseph had called me to ask for more money but I let it go to voicemail. What kind of father asks their son for a thousand dollars ON THEIR BIRTHDAY?! The only other person I could think of calling was..."Haaaappy biiiiirthdaaay!" The voice yelled on the other end of the line, nearly shattering my ear drum. "Thanks Haze. What are you doing?" "Studying for this test I've got in an hour. I hope I don't fail!" That's right, she did have a lot of classes today. I was silent for a few minutes. "Mike? You still there?" Her sweet voice broke me out of my thoughts. "Can you come see me today?" I asked. Ugh why does my voice sound like that? Like some needy child? "Aw honey you know I'd love to but I've got tons of classes today and a lot of tests....I'm sorry I can't today" Hazel said. "....Michael please don't be upset with me...." her voice was soft. "I'm fine. I'll uh, I guess I'll talk to you later then. Good luck on your test" I said as I hung up the phone and closed my eyes, the tears already making their way down my cheeks. 

For the remainder of the day I continued to mope around, not really eating or doing anything. There was nothing good on television so I decide to head over to the studio. When I finally arrived I was surprised to find Hazel's car already parked in the lot. What was she doing here? I went inside but it was completely empty. "Hello?" I called out, looking around. The clock read 8:35 pm. Taking a seat at the control table, I burried my head in my hands. "Happy 29th Mike" I mumbled to myself as I heard the sounds of heels clicking on the wood floor, entering the room. Slowly lifting my face up I gasped. "Haze-" "Shhh" she quickly placed a finger on my lips. I continued to stare at her in awe. She looked absolutely STUNNING in her short black dress, her hair slick back and up in a bun. Diamond earrings in each ear, the gold locket around her neck. Meanwhile I was dressed in a pair of simple grey sweats with an addias hoodie. She then held out her hand. "Come on..." she whispered licking her lips. I placed my hand in hers, following her out of the room. "You honestly thought I'd forget huh?" She said as we walked into another room and I gasped. The room was decorated with red and black streamers. A huge chocolate cake sat on the table along with red and black balloons and a bucket of..."You, you got me kfc?!" My voice cracked causing her to laugh. I haven't had Kentucky fried chicken in FOREVER. It was one of my favorite foods. "How'd you find it?" There literally wasn't any kfc's around here. Walking up to me, Hazel giggled. "Believe me, it wasn't easy. I had to travel quite a way but it was worth it..." "Your amazing. You know that?" I pulled her in my embrace for a hug, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent. "Anything for the birthday boy" I heard her joke, kissing my cheek. I walked over to the table and picked up a red plate, examining the containers that sat on the table. "You got Mac and cheese, collard greens and biscuits too?" I was speechless. Nodding shyly, Hazel also made herself a plate. "You're unbelievable.." I whispered, a huge smile on my face. By the time we finished our food, Hazel was continuing to tell me about how her test in biology went. To be honest, I wasn't even listening to her. I mean, I was looking at her lips but my mind wasn't really was focused on what she was saying. Instead I found myself admiring how beautiful she looked. There was a certain to her. "....Michael are you listening?" I jumped, my cheeks feeling slightly warm. "H-Huh?" "I asked how is your birthday going so far?" Oh. I could've sworn she was still talking about her biology test. "Oh um, it's going well. Especially now that I saw you...you honestly made it a thousand times better..." I confessed. It was the truth. Hazel cocked her head to the side, her light brown eyes sparkled with confusion. "How come?" "....You were the only one who actually seemed to care" I whispered, looking down at my sneakers. "Aw baby..." she whispered, touching my cheek. "Of course I care. Why wouldn't I?" Placing a hand on hers that still rested on my cheek, I let out a shaky sigh. "What's wrong?" She asked. I closed my eyes. I was afraid that if I looked into her eyes I'd loose it right then and there. "I'm, I'm so scared haze..." I started to say. "I'm scared of releasing this album, I'm scared of staring this tour, I'm scared of....failure....I know I should be excited but I just feel this intense fear instead...." There was silence that settled over the room. It wasn't long before I felt a pair of soft lips touch mine that I opened my eyes. Hazel continued to kiss me with so much love that it made me feel weak in the knees and breathless. "It's alright baby, it's gonna be alright" she whispered in between kisses. I had wrapped my arms securely around her waist, my tears soaking into her dress as my head was burried in her neck. "I love you so much....Thank you so much for this" I whispered, my heart racing. "I love you too...your welcome" Hazel said, hugging me just as tight. Man was I thankful to have this beautiful woman in my life.

It had only been a couple weeks after the release of 'Bad' and it was doing extremely well! Not that I didn't expect anything less. Michael had really put all of his heart and soul into the creation of this album along with Quincy. I was so ecstatic that it was getting all the recognition it truly deserved. The tour wasn't supposed to start until sometime around mid/late November however, tonight was the annual Grammys and 'Bad' had been nominated for quite a few awards. I originally had planned on watching the show from my dorm but Michael dismissed that immediately with the wave of his hand. I remembered him looking at me like I had grown 3 heads, his brown eyes wide. "Seriously Haze, you honestly think I'm gonna go to the show tonight without my girlfriend by my side?!" I had shyly smiled as he laughed. "Trust me. I WANT you to no scratch that. I NEED you to be by my side tonight. It's about time we went public with our relationship anyway." I had remained quiet for a few moments, my anxiety slowly kicking in my veins. I was never comfortable with tons of attention on me, let alone going to an award show. "Michael, I, I don't know..." I said, my voice heavy with worry. His eyes had softened. "Please baby? For me?" He asked, walking up to me in my dorm, gently pulling my body towards his chest. I felt my breathing hitch. Damn. He still had an affect on me. "I promise you'll be fine. I won't let anyone bother you if that's what you want..." he whispered, his lips inches from my own. I had found my gaze locked on his lips. God how I wanted them to attack mine at that moment. "So...What do you say? I'd be honoured to have you as my date tonight Hazel Johnson..." Michael said with a smile, squeezing my waist. Nodding, I breathed out a reply. "O-Okay. I'll go...just kiss me" Michael laughed, touching my cheeks with his slender fingers. "Hm you don't have to ask me twice..." his voice trailed off as he kissed me....

It had been a few hours after Michael had left my dorm to go get ready for the award show. I still sat on my bed, letting out an exasperated sigh. What was I gonna wear? Should it be something simple and cute? Should I wear something daring and revealing? Or would that be too much? After all, this would be the FIRST time ever the public would get to see me as Michael's official girlfriend. Just the thought of that was enough to make me sick. "Ugh I don't think I can do this..." I said to myself, feeling my stomach begin to churn slightly and the room spin. Suddenly there was a knock on my door. I groaned. "Come in!" "Hey hey hey" the deep rough voice called out. I gave a small smile. "Kendrick! Hey" I gave him a hug. We had become such close friends since he started going here. I looked around behind my friend, making a face. "Oh the girlfriend's not with you?" Kendrick shook his head. "Nah Adrianna went out with her girls. She left me all alone tonight" "Aww I'm sorry. You must be miserable huh" I joked, faking a pout. Kendrick laughed, taking a seat on top of my desk. "Haha it's aight though. At least now I get to see my other favorite girl in the whole world" he winked making me giggle. I continued to look around in my closet. Jeez I couldn't find ANYTHING to wear! Once again, I let out another sigh. Kendrick noticed this. "Aw what's wrong baby girl? Goin out with the 'boo' tonight?" I blushed. "Yeah. I just can't find anything good to wear" "Where y'all going? The movies? A restaurant?" I turned around to face him. "I'm uh, I'm going to the Grammys..." Kendrick's eyes went wide. He coughed a little. "Wait what?! Hold up You mean like the ACTUAL Grammys?! The award show?!" I nodded shyly. Kendrick whistled. "Damn Hazel that's so cool! I keep forgetting your dating a big celebrity now haha. Isn't he nominated too?" "Yeah" "That's awesome!! I know you've gotta be excited....right?" I faked a smile. "Can't wait" "Uh uh what's going on?" Kendrick asked, patting the chair in front of the desk. I took a seat. "Of course I'm excited to be going but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous... hell I'm terrified Kenny...I just don't want them to hate me you know?" "Them?" "You know, the public? More specifically, his fans. I just hope they like me..." "Aw girl of course they will! But You can't focus on people's perceptions of you, Hazel. You'll just worry yourself to death by doing that. Just enjoy yourself and hold your head up high. You'll be just fine." I reached over to give him a hug. "Thanks Kendrick. I needed to hear that. I'm probably just overreacting" Kendrick nodded, letting me go. Getting up from my desk, he dug in the back of his jeans pocket for his wallet. I gave him a confused look as he pulled out money, holding it out. "Um, Kenny I, I can't take this" Kendrick shook his head, readjusting the black snapback hat on his head. "No. I want you to take this Hazel. You deserve it. I wanna help you get ready for your man to tonight" he joked. "Are You sure?" I was still hesitant to take the large amount of cash from him. He nodded,a big smile on his features. "I insist! Now come on let's go before the stores get too crowded" he held his large caramel hand for me to take. "A-Alright" I said, the two of us heading for his car.

By the time we arrived at the mall, I was having so much fun hanging out with Kendrick. He was a lot like another big brother to me. We had so much in common and I felt safe with him, like I could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge me. While we were shopping, I noticed Kendrick would glance at me every now and then, his eyes would linger a little longer than usual but I didn't think anything of it and simply shrugged it off. "Okay what about this?" I asked, walking out of the dressing room in a sparkling golden Versace dress that flowed down my legs. Kendrick had been playing on his cell, but the moment he saw me, he froze. "Damn." he breathed out. I giggled. "What? Is it too much? Should I try something else?" "No no it's perfect. This is the one. You look stunning Hazel..." Kendrick said seriously. I examined myself in the long mirror. The gown was very elegant and sexy. It showed just the right amount of skin. And it really helped bring out my skin tone, making it have a sensual glow. "Alright now time for the accessories" Kendrick said as he bought the dress and we continued to shop around. I decided on a pair of gold high heels with gold bracelets to match. I picked out a little golden handbag with some chanel perfume. I had even gotten my hair straightened and makeup freshly done. "Ooo look at you lookin all pretty" Kendrick joked as I pretended to flip my long black hair over my shoulder. The two of us were now heading back to the car and I shot Michael a quick text to have him and the limo driver meet me at the studio. "Alright I guess this is when we part ways huh" Kendrick said, pulling up to the studio entrance as the black limo pulled up around the same time, Michael stepping out of it. I nodded, looking over my appearance in the passenger mirror. God my heart was racing. "I don't know how to thank you for all of this Kenny. How can I repay-" "Shhh" Kendrick placed a finger on my lips, making sure not to smudge the red lipstick I wore. I was already fully dressed, bathed in chanel perfume and all. "Don't thank me alright? Just have the time of your life tonight. You deserve it...." Kendrick whispered, his eyes lingering on my lips. Noticing this, I looked away. I didn't feel comfortable with how intense his eyes were and how he was looking at me. "I uh, I've gotta go" I whispered, unbuckling my seat belt, staring to get out but Catching me off guard, Kendrick had grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him. He then placed a soft kiss on my cheek, just barely missing my mouth. I was shocked. Not knowing how to respond, I felt myself freeze in fear. "Kendrick I, I gotta go n-now" I stuttered, practically running out of the car. Kendrick finally drove off and I looked up in horror to find a pair of familiar browns meet with mine. Shit. He had seen everything...

"M-Michael, I, I can e-explain" I stuttered, feeling horrible. Not responding right away, Michael simply held his hand up. "I don't want him near you anymore...." I let out a shaky sigh as the two of us got inside the limo, heading to the award show. The ride there was so awkwardly quiet. All I kept thinking about was how much Michael must've hated my guts. "I don't hate you of that's what your thinking..." his elegant voice broke my thoughts. "I, I didn't know that he was gonna kiss my c-cheek. I, I tried to get away from h-him-" I was suddenly cut off by Michael's lips attacking mine, leaving me breathless. "I already told you I'm not mad..." he said threw kisses. I broke our kiss, my chest heaving up and down and the limo slowly came to a stop. "Mr. Jackson we're here" the limo driver said. Michael nodded, quickly adjusting the red blazer he wore. He then looked over at me, grabbing my hand. I guess he could clearly see the emotion written all over my face at that moment as the sounds of fans screaming outside seemed to intensify. "You ready?" He asked, his thumb lightly gazing my Palm. Letting out a sigh, I nodded. "Yeah" "Okay..." Michael opened the car door and immediately the sounds of screams could be heard along with flashing bright lights. I held on to Michael's hand for dear life as we took pictures on the red carpet. Once we made our way inside the auditorium, I breathed out the sigh that I hadn't realized I had been holding in all this time. "Smelly! There you are! And Bambi look at you!!" A familiar voice called out. I smiled, giving Quincy a huge hug. We were seated next to him and his wife Twiggy. "You alright?" Michael whispered to me as the show was beginning to start. I nodded, flashing him a reassuring smile. 

It was already an hour into the show and so far Michael had been nominated quite a few times but he wasn't winning. I could tell it hurt him deeply but he tried hard not to let it show. It was now time for Michael to do his performance of the night. I had actually forgotten that he was supposed to perform! He had left during intermission to go backstage and get ready. The moment he hit the stage, the audience went CRAZY. It was truly amazing to see. He had performed 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and then 'Man in the Mirror' He brought the Andre Croutch choir out to perform with him and the whole experience was just memorizing to see. Seeing Michael perform was like NOTHING else. He'd become a whole different person and I could tell onstage is where he truly felt comfortable and at peace. By the time he finished, everyone was on their feet cheering, some even crying. I think it was safe to say I was probably cheering and clapping the loudest. "Thank you so much" Michael breathed out into the mic, his chest heaving up and down. His eyes had scanned the audience and the moment his eyes locked with mine, I felt an excited chill run down my spine. I was SO proud of him!

'Man in the Mirror' was nominated for 'Song of the Year' as well as for 'Best Songwriting' It was so surreal. Knowing that I actually was nominated for that category! However, when the presenter walked out, I gasped. Her long chestnut curly hair up in a bun, the short white dress with black poka dots she wore, looked like second skin, showing off all her curves. The presenter then pretended to hide her face as the whistles from the audience and cheers continued. "Aw thank you. You all are too kind!" She said into the Mic. I felt Michael's hand squeeze mine. "Alright the nominees for 'Best Songwriting' are: Whitney Houston for "So Emotional" Prince for "Sign of the Times" U2 for "Joshua's Tree" and....um, I think the name's Bazel? Oops I apologize. I mean Hazel Johnson for "Man in the Mirror" I looked over at Michael and I could tell he as well as Quincy were pissed. Tatiana had purposely mispronounced my name...and in front of ALL these people...I felt so embarrassed but also angry. What a total bitch. "And The winner is...." Tatiana took her time to open the white envelope. She gasped loudly. "Oh my gosh!!! The winner is my baby Prince for 'Sign of the Times!!" She yelled into the mic. I watched as Prince proudly took the stage, planting a huge wet kiss on Tatiana's lips before taking the Grammy from her hands. So they were a couple now huh. I wasn't surprised. Michael's hand was squeezing mine so hard I'm pretty sure it had turned blue. It was now time for the most important and biggest award of the night: 'Album of the Year' The presenter had walked out to the theme music and began reading off the nominees after making some cheesy joke. The moment Michael's name came up for 'Bad' the audience went wild. Michael shyly gave a small smile and Quincy held his head up high. "And....the winner....for 'Album of the Year' is....Yes!!! U2!!!" The presenter squealed. Michael and Quincy's smiles both faded. "Damn. I'm Sorry smelly...." Quincy said, patting Michael's shoulder. His expression remained blank. Unreadable. "Come on, let's go you guys" his voice was soft as we got up and left the packed auditorium. The ride back to the hotel was extremely quiet. Michael kept his eyes locked on the window. Not knowing exactly what to say, I nervously played with my gold handbag. I knew he had to be devastated as well as embarrassed. He was nominated for so many different categories tonight and not once did he win anything. I knew how hard him and Quincy had worked on making 'Bad' successful. It had been almost four years since his last album dropped and he wanted to win just as many awards for it. I guess no one will be able to top the success of 'Thriller' not even Michael Jackson himself. Once we were inside the hotel, Michael had rented out two rooms. One for me,one for himself. We took the keys and headed up the stairs towards the rooms. Michael let out a sigh. "Well uh, this is your room. I'll see you in the morning..." he started to open up his door but I gently grabbed his hand, stopping him. "I'm so sorry about tonight...you really should've won Michael. You and Quincy worked too damn hard on this album for it not to get recognized...." I said. Michael simply shrugged it off. "Don't worry it's no big deal. I'll be fine. I'm just upset that Tatiana purposely said your name wrong....that was so fucking childish..." Noticing the look on my face, Michael reached out to touch my cheek. "Really Hazel. Honey I'll be alright. I'm just gonna get some sleep...you should too I know you've gotta be exhausted!" he joked, trying to laugh but it sounded so forced. "Goodnight..." he placed a quick kiss on my forehead before heading inside his room, quietly closing the door. Letting out a sigh, I walked inside my room, removing the heels I wore. My feet were sore freaking sore. After taking a shower, I changed into a pair of grey sweats with a white t-shirt. I climbed inside the large hotel bed, tossing and turning. The clock on the wall read 11:45 pm. I couldn't sleep. Getting up from the bed, I tiptoed out into the hallway and down towards Michael's room. Opening the door, I slowly walked inside. "Michael?" I called out in the darkness. Where was he? Suddenly I heard a noise. It sounded like someone sniffling. Turning on the light switch, I saw him sitting on the edge of the bed. I walked over towards him. "There you are. Why are you sitting in the dark?" Michael didn't respond, his vision casted down on the carpet. He was still in his black dress pants and white dress shirt, the red blazer on the floor along with his penny loafers. "...Baby?" I kneeled down in front of him. When I reached out to touch his face, his eyes finally met with mine. They were puffy and red. I then took a seat next to him on the bed. "You okay?" I asked softly. Michael didn't look at me. Instead he shook his head, his shoulders began to tremble. "N-No I'm n-not" his voice broke as he buried his face in his hands and started crying. "Come here" I whispered, pulling him towards me. He buried his face in my lap, clutching on to me as the sound of his sobs echoed throughout the hotel room. I remained quiet, trying to fight back my own tears as I rubbed his back.

Silence had fallen over the hotel room as Michael's head still layed in my lap. He had cried for a good hour, letting it ALL out. I felt so bad for him but I had remained silent as he cried and clutched on to me. "Haze?" Michael's voice was soft and quiet when he finally spoke again. "Yeah?" "You must think I'm a fool huh" he sniffed. Looking down at him, I ran a hand threw his soft black curls. "You sat in the front row...." I started. "They seated us in the front row. You were nominated for so many different categories and not once did you even win. You performed and still didn't win....No honey, I don't think your a fool at all....I think you were robbed...." I said. Michael didn't respond right away. Instead he slowly sat up, wiping at his eyes. "I think I was too" he whispered, his vision casted on the carpet again. I reached out to touch his face. "Hey you don't have to be embarrassed in front of me..." Michael looked over at me, a small smile on his face. I leaned in to kiss his lips. "So...you're okay now?" I asked. Letting out a sigh, he nodded. "Yeah..." I then got up and started to leave. "Haze, wait" I turned back around. "Hm?" "I uh, I was wondering if uh..." Michael started to say, rubbing the back of his neck. Why was he so nervous all the sudden? It was actually kinda cute to see. "What's up?" I made my way over back towards where he still sat on the edge of the bed. "Could you please lay with me just for a little while? I, I really don't wanna be alone..." Michael confessed, his cheeks the color of crimson. I let out a giggle. "Aw look at my baby blushing" I joked and he covered his face in his hands. "Of course I don't mind staying at all..." I said, crawling into the large hotel bed as Michael layed down on his back. I curled up next to him, my head resting on his chest as his arm circled around my waist. "I'm so proud of you Michael" I said after a few moments of silence. "Really?" He seemed genuinely surprised. I nodded. "Yeah. I just want you to know that...in my eyes you were the REAL winner tonight..." Michael tried to hold in his laughter. "God that sounds so corny right!" I joked, burying my face in his chest as I laughed too. We layed like that for a while, just talking and cuddling. It was at that moment that I realized how much Michael truly meant to me....

The following morning after a small breakfast, a quick shower and getting dressed, Michael and I left the hotel and headed back to the studio. It was now time to start rehearsals for 'Bad' It was going to be a world tour and I was so excited since the first stop would be Yokohama, Japan. I had only been to Japan once when I was younger but I always wanted to go back one day. Michael had been in such a much better mood! He was playful and just seemed truly at peace as he danced and sang on stage. I got a chance to meet all of the dancers, other musicians, backup singers that were gonna be on the tour. They were so extremely nice and could instantly tell that I was Michael's girl. "Hazel? I knew you RIGHT away! Michael can't stop talking about you girl!" The keyboardist joked, causing everyone to laugh and me to blush slightly. His name was Greg. The rehearsals lasted for a good two hours before it was time to call it a night. Early morning the next day everyone met at the studio where the tour buses were. We all boarded on and about a good 12 hours later, we finally ended up in Yokohama! It was so surreal! This would be Michael's first ever performance for this tour and it was safe to say that everyone was feeling happy and super excited. After checking into the hotels, we arrived at Yokohama stadium and now after one final rehearsal, everyone was backstage getting ready. It was hectic. Everyone running around getting their hair/makeup done, getting in their wardrobe. I had changed into a black velvet babydoll dress, my hair up in a high ponytail. I sat around chilling with Greg. He and I had become real good friends as Michael remained in his little room, getting ready. "Man I hope he's alright! The show's about to start soon..." Greg said, checking his watch. From afar, I could already see the hundreds of thousands of screaming fans piling up, filling out the entire sold out arena. "I'm gonna go check on him..." I ran towards the back, knocking on his door. "Mike? You in there? It's Haze" I called out, playing with the long vip card necklace that hung around my neck. The door clicked open and I was met face to face with..."Oh hey Karen!" Karen smiled. She was Michael's makeup artist. "Hey Hazel! I'm just adding some final touches..." she took out the makeup sponge, dabbing the thick cream foundation on Michael's face as he sat still in the chair, his eyes closed. I frowned a bit. It was so much makeup but I guess it was needed since he'd be underneath hot bright stage lights for a good two hours. He needed something that wouldn't be sweated off. It was still a lot though. "Alright Michael you're finished!" Michael smiled a little, opening his eyes to look over himself in the long dresser mirror. "Thanks Karen" Karen flashed another warm smile before heading out, leaving Michael and I alone. Once the door closed behind us, I took over my boyfriend's appearance. Black skinny leather pants with various belt buckles and a silverish long sleeved shirt. "Cool outfit" I joked. It did look good on him! It really helped show off his toned body, especially his behind wink wink. "I still can't believe we're actually here! It's so exciting" I said but Michael didn't crack a smile. Instead, standing up from the makeup chair, he frantically looked around. It was weird, during rehearsals Michael seemed to be in such a happier mood. He seemed so confident and sure of himself but now he seemed really out of it, like he was super nervous. It was really starting to worry me. "Michael?" I called his name out. Suddenly the door popped open. It was Michael bodyguard Wayne. "Hey Mike. 5 minutes" he warned before closing the door back. That seemed to REALLY set Michael off. He started breathing a little faster and heavier than usual. His face a bit pale. Worried,I grabbed his hands, holding them closely in mine. "Are you alright?" Once again, Michael didn't respond. He licked his lips, his brown eyes wide with fear, frantically darting around the room. "Michael baby your scaring me. What's wrong?" I asked, reaching to touch his face but the moment I did Michael jumped from me and ran off towards the trash can, hunching over. Immediately I rushed to his side, rubbing his back in small circles as he continued to throw up. "Was it something you ate earlier? Are you feeling sick?" I asked. Coughing, Michael shook his head no. "I, I'm not sure if i can, if I can do this Haze...I'm not sure if I can go out t-there" he whispered. "Do what?" "Perform. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous...what if they don't like it H-Haze? I don't want them to hate me now t-too" Michael said, his eyes watery. I pulled him into my warm embrace. "Aw baby they don't hate you. It's understandable to be nervous but you'll be terrific out there....I know you will" Michael looked up at me. "You really think so?" "Absolutely. But you can't be if you're late!" I held my hand out. "Come on Jackson. You've gotta kickass show to do" I joked making him laugh a little as he grabbed my hand. "You're right baby girl....let's go" We walked out of the room and down the hallway where everyone else was waiting. We all then gathered in a circle and after a few words of encouragement and prayer, everyone was ready to take the stage. I was about to head in the back with the rest of the crew to watch but right before I could, Michael quickly pulled me aside, kissing my cheek. "Thank you" he whispered in my ear causing me to smile. "Good luck" I gave him a kiss on the cheek as he walked out on stage with the rest of the dancers, the crowd going wild.

The show was absolutely AMAZING. Even though I had seen it before back at the Grammys, Michael still never failed to leave me in complete awe and admiration of his talent onstage. He had such stage presence and such control. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't sexy in a way. Michael had ended dedicating the entire show that night to a little Japanese boy who had been murdered a few weeks prior. It was such a heartbreaking story to hear what happened to him and I could tell it really affected Michael since he always had such a love for children. Once the show had come to a close, everybody seemed to be on such a euphoric high! It was so beautiful to see. It actually poured down rain on the bus ride back to the hotel but even that didn't ruin the happy mood. After saying goodnight to everyone, I made my way up to the suite that Michael and I would be sharing. Once again, I had never felt to proud of him. The rain continued to pound hard against the Windows as the sound of thunder rumbled throughout the late night sky. Ever since I was a child, I never really liked thunderstorms. Another loud clap of thunder shook the Windows, causing me to jump. I got inside the bed, bawling up underneath the covers. It wasn't long before the suite door opened and another figure walked in, quietly closing the door behind them. The person then took a seat on the bed, humming softly to themselves. I then felt the covers being slowly removed from me as I met face to face with..."Oh I'm sorry Haze I thought you were asleep" Michael said as he crawled in bed next to me. He was freshly showered, wearing black sweats with a white t-shirt. I still had on my baby doll dress. BOOM another clap of thunder hit and I yelped a bit, sitting up in the bed. "Not a fan of thunderstorms huh" Michael asked, chucking a bit. I shook my head. "I know something that will help take my mind off of it..." I mumbled, my heart racing in my chest. Michael had a confused look on his face. I let out a shaky sigh, playing with the corners of the blanket. "Michael....I've been thinking about it and um, I, I think I'm ready now..." "Ready? Ready for what?" Michael asked, now sitting up as well in the bed. The rain continued to pound outside, silently encouraging me to continue. "I, I'm in love with you Michael and I know you're in love with me too. I think, I think I'm now ready to show that love....Michael I, I want...I want you to make love to m-me...."

"I want you to make love to me Michael....I'm ready" Michael remained quiet for a long time after I had said this. I could literally feel my heart wanting to burst out from my chest. The rain still continued to pound hard against the hotel windows, filling the silence that had taken over. "I, I'm sorry" I suddenly blurted out, feeling utterly embarrassed. I quickly got up from the bed, heading towards the window, the fresh tears trickling down my cheeks. It wasn't long before Michael quickly got up from the bed and followed me. "I'm s-sorry" I whispered, my vision casted on the rain outside. I was too afraid to look at him. "Baby...." I heard him whisper as his arms slowly circled around my waist. "You have nothing to apologize for..." he said. I kept my eyes locked on the window, letting out a shaky breath. "Michael, we, we're not rushing are we?" I asked in a voice that didn't even sound like my own. Michael thought for a moment before replying."I don't think we are. I mean, you already know how I feel about you. I just wanna make sure that you feel the same way now too...." "I do" I breathed out a little too loudly than I intended. Michael chuckled, resting his head on my shoulder. "Are you sure Hazel? That you wanna loose your virginity to....to me?" He asked after a few moments of silence, his voice soft. I nodded. "I've never been so sure about anything in my life....I love you Michael Joseph Jackson. I love you so much..." I whispered as I closed my eyes, the tears still rolling down. Noticing this, Michael gently hugged me from behind, rocking us back and forth. "Aw honey please don't cry. I love you more...you don't know how amazing that makes me feel" He said and I could hear the smile in his voice. "So...what do you want me to do now?" He asked, his voice lower than usual, sending chills down my spine. I felt his hand reach up to take my hair out from its ponytail, my hair tumbling down my shoulders. "Take....please take my dress o-off" I managed to say. The sound of the zipper could be heard and immediately I felt my body begin to shake. God I was so nervous. "O-Oh" I jumped a bit as I felt Michael's soft lips on my neck, making their way down to my bare shoulders. His lips felt so light against my warm skin, almost like feathers. He stopped unzipping midway, leaving it just above my lower back. "Please" I breathed out, not being able to take it any longer. Obeying, Michael removed the baby doll dress, placing kisses  down along my back until I was left only in my black stockings and white bra. He then got on his knees, still placing sweet butterfly kisses on my skin. It felt so good and actually helped calm my nerves. "Now what?" He asked. "Mm my, my stockings please..." I said. He slowly removed them from my waist. Finding the courage, I  turned around and face him....

Michael's POV:

Hazel turned around to face me, standing only in her white bra and underwear. I felt myself intake a sharp breath. She kept her brown eyes locked on mine as I reached out to touch her face. I could still tell how nervous she was. "God, you're so beautiful Haze" I whispered, leaning in to kiss her. "Mmm Michael, baby" she moaned out threw our kiss. Her fingers went to the white t-shirt I wore, frantically tugging at it to be removed. The moment I did, I scooped her up in my arms, my lips never leaving hers as I placed her on top of the hotel bed, the thunder continuing to rumble over us, giving me signs of encouragement....

Hazel POV:

I felt Michael in one swift movement, lift me up in his arms before placing me on the bed, his lips never leaving mine. I could feel his erection threw the black sweats he wore. I wrapped my legs around his waist. "I want you so bad baby" I said, letting out a low moan as I felt my nipple go in his warm mouth. I then started to move my hips slowly against his growing erection, causing a low groan to release from his mouth. I wanted him NOW. I needed him so badly.  Michael then placed wet kisses all around my neck, licking and bitting at the flesh, driving me absolutely wild. "B-Baby I need you inside me...so bad" I whispered, my fingers making their way into his black curls, tugging at it. "Damn I need it too Haze" Michael breathed out, his eyes darkened with animalistic hunger. It was really turning me on to see him like this. "But first...." he said, getting down on his knees, spreading my legs apart. He kissed all along my inner thighs before slowly removing the underwear I wore. "Damn you're soaking wet baby..." he whispered, licking his lips. The moment I felt his slender finger enter me, I let out a loud moan. It had been much too long since he had done this and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it. "Ugh b-baby..." I moaned, my hips moving to the rhythms of his finger. Sitting up in the bed, I roughly pulled Michael into me, attacking his lips with so much hunger and lust. He was bringing out a side of me that I never even knew I had. "I, I can't wait any longer..." Michael said, pushing me back down on the bed, with just as much force, spreading my legs back apart. I watched him slowly remove his sweatpants and boxers. I let my eyes wonder over him. I licked my lips. "Damn boy...." I said causing him to laugh but then he got quiet as he stood in front of me. "You sure you're ready? Because we can always stop..." Michael's voice trailed off. I nodded,wrapping my legs securely around his waist. "Okay, I, I'm gonna enter real slow....if it hurts too much just let me know okay?" I nodded. Michael entered in me and immediately the both of us took in a sharp breath. "You, you alright? Shit baby am I hurting you?" He asked, a look of pure panic in his eyes as his forehead rested on top of mine. He reached his hand out to wipe the tears that had begun to sting my vision. Letting out a shaky sigh, I quickly shook my head. "It, it doesn't hurt it that b-bad. It just....feels weird" I said honestly, my cheeks growing warm. Michael let out a little chuckle, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I'm gonna....try to go in  a little deeper now alright? Please let me know if it's too much though" Michael whispered, leaning on his forearms on the bed, his bare chest against mine. "O-Okay" I whispered back, bracing myself for the worst but I felt an immerse amount of pleasure instead. It was such a different  unique feeling. The feel of him inside me. "W-Woah" I moaned. "Am I h-hurting you?" Michael asked again, his lips inches from mine. "No....not at all" I gave him a smile of encouragement, tightening my legs around his waist. "You're so adorable..." Michael leaned in to kiss me as he started to slowly move inside me, letting me grow accustomed to his size. It wasn't long before he started to quicken up the pace, and boy did it feel so gooood. "Mmm Michael God just like t-that" I moaned out. He was hitting all the right places. "Oh my god H-Haze" Michael groaned, his face buried in the side of my neck. I could feel his heavy breathing on my chest as I placed my trembling hands on his back, my fingernails slowly starting to dig in his back as he continued hitting my spot. "Mmm oh p-please don't stop baby! Don't s-stop" I cried out. "I won't unless you tell me to...shiiit" he groaned, moving his hips in a circular motion. "God Hazel, I love you so much....promise me you'll never forget that..." he whispered before going faster to the point where I can barely speak. I could feel that tingling sensation begin to bubble up in my lower abdomen, begging for release. "M-Michael....mmm baby I, I can't...." I couldn't finish the sentence as he plunges even deeper in my walls, the feel of him throbbing inside me causes me to whimper over and over. "I'm, I'm close t-too....oh my-" Michael groans, shutting his eyes, bitting hard on his bottom lip. I feel his body begin to shake with each thrust. I shut my eyes, my thighs trembling, my heart beating wildly against my ribs. "O-Oh Miiiichael!!!" I cry out, arching my back as I came, clinging on to his back for dear life.  "Ugh Haze baby...." he groans, panting in my ear as he finally releases too, his body shaking. "Oh my gosh..." Michael breathes out, collapsing against me, his head on my chest. I can still feel my own body shake as I run a hand threw his curls. "...Michael?" "Yeah?" "You think they heard us?" I asked referring to rest of the crew from the tour who were also staying in the hotel. Letting out a chuckle, Michael placed a few kisses on my breasts. "Lets hope not....I don't think we were too loud..." I let out a giggle in agreement, a tired but satisfied smile on my features. Lifting his head up, Michael smirked. "What's that smile for babygirl?" "Damn I never knew how amazing sex actually was.......I think you just cured me of my fear of storms too" I said causing him to let out a laugh, the rain silently applauding us, the thunder begging for an encore.

Never in my life had I felt so good to wake up as I did the following morning. I felt in a state of pure euphoria. The rain had finally stopped and the sun peeked through the Windows of the hotel. Sitting up in bed, I stretched a bit, tightening the white sheets around my body. I ran a hand threw my dark hair, shaking my head. "I can't believe we actually did that..." I whispered to myself as visions of the events that occurred last night replay in my head. I can feel my cheeks grow warm as well as another area of my body as I glance over at my boyfriend who's still passed out underneath the covers, his face burried deep in the white pillows. He layed on his stomach. I then slowly removed the sheets from my body, crawling on top of Michael, sitting on his lower back. "Baby" I whispered in his ear, removing the sheets from his body. I leaned forward, placing kisses on his bare shoulders. Michael stirred a little in his sleep and I giggled quietly. As I let my eyes wander over him, I noticed a couple white blotches sprinkled around his back. I cocked my head to the side. 'How come I've never noticed this before?' I thought, reaching my hand out, letting my fingers trace the blotches. It looked like some sort of skin disorder. "Wait..." I whispered to myself as it hit me. I did remember seeing a few of these blotches on his chest last night too but didn't bother to ask what they were...Maybe it was no big deal? Michael continued to snore lightly as I removed myself from him, getting up to go to the bathroom. I let out a satisfied sigh as the warm water soothed my aching muscles. When I got out of the shower, I was surprised to find a pair of brown eyes meet mine. "O-Oh I thought you were still asleep" I jumped a bit as I looked over Michael's appearance. Why was there blood smeared on his chest? "What happened to you?" I asked, reaching out to touch the blood which then in that moment, turned in to a huge gash. It looked like he had been stabbed. My eyes widened with fear. "B-Baby?" I whispered. Smirking, Michael wrapped his arms around me, pulling me towards him. "You couldn't wait for me huh?" His voice was low in my ear causing me to shudder with fear. "W-What happened to you?! Why are you bleeding so much?" "Well, too late now...." Was the last thing Michael said before  he let out an angry yell, roughly throwing me up against the bathroom wall so hard and with so much force that I felt the back of my head be slammed into it. "S-Stop it!!! Let me g-go!!!" I screamed as Michael roughly opened my legs, ripping the towel off my body. "Open your fucking legs bitch!!!" Another voice yelled, slapping me hard as he forced himself in to me, causing me to scream out in pure pain. "Michael s-stop it please!!! You're h-hurting me!!!" I cried out but the person then circled their hands around my neck. "M-Michael!!!!" I yelled his name at the top of my lungs but couldn't hear his voice anymore. There was blood all over the white marble floor....Michael's blood...."Michael!!!" I screamed again but he was nowhere to be found. I was now hearing two other male voices instead. The large pair of hands then continued to tighten around my throat.  I could feel the air supply in my lungs begin to cut off, my eyes began to water. "You can't have him anymore...You belong to ME now. I didn't buy you all this shit for nothin!..." the voice barked. "That's right! The bitch needs to learn..." the other voice snapped, roughly grabbing and tugging at my hair. "P-Please" I manged to choke out, my face turning redder and redder as I looked up in the mirror. With trembling hands, I tried to release myself from his grasp but he was too strong. The other guy then got on top of me, unbuckling his jeans too."I, I can't breathe!" I choked, the room beginning to spin rapidly. I was starting to see little white dots of brightness everywhere, my vision becoming blurry with every breath I tried to take."This is what death looks like Hazel....If I can't have you, neither with he..." the voice said, the black snapback hat covering his face as he pulled out the gun from his back jeans pocket. "No Kendrick please don't!!!" I screamed. In the corner of my vision, I saw Michael sprawled out in the corner of the bathroom, choking and spitting up on his blood. "Haze.....save m-me...." he begged before his body went still, his eyes rolled back in his head. "Ready Wes? Time to say goodbye sweetheart..." His words were cold...Wesley nodded, a twisted smile on his lips as he took the gun from Kendrick, aiming it for my head. "Michael, I love you..." I whispered, the sound of his voice drifting in my mind before...BANG BANG BANG

Immediately I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart racing in my chest. I jumped out of the hotel bed so fast, I nearly tripped. Michael immediately woke up, searching for me. "Haze? What's wrong honey?" I didn't answer him as I collapsed to the floor, the painful sobs escaping from my mouth as I buried my face in my hands. Michael rushed to my side, pulling me into his embrace. "What's happened? Baby please tell me" He asked, a look of pure worry on his features. "It was a d-dream. I, I had a bad dream" I managed to say, clinging on to my boyfriend for dear life, my face buried in his warm chest. "What was it about?" He asked, rocking me back and forth, the both of us up against the hotel wall. Once again I couldn't answer as I continued to only cry harder, my body shaking as the rain continued to pound hardly against the Windows. It was still late in the middle of the night, not bright and sunny like I had originally imagined. "Please, take it a-away...help take it away. I can't loose y-you" I said, circling my arms around my boyfriend's neck. "Of course I'll take it away honey. I'm not going anywhere....I promise" he whispered, placing a kiss on my forehead. Lifting my head up, I immediately crashed my lips against his. "Mm" I moaned, my fingers getting lost in his black curls. I had to get that horrible dream off my mind. "H-Haze, wait. We need to tal-mmm" Michael let out a loud groan as I slowly grind my hips against his growing erection. His arms circled around my waist, gripping tightly with his hand. I placed frantic kisses on the inside of his neck, licking and biting at his flesh. "Take my mind of i-it please...I need it" I whispered. "O-Okay..." Michael whispered, lifting me up in his arms, crawling on top of me on the bed...

It was now the (actual) following morning and like in my dream, I had awoken before Michael did. "Michael..." I whispered, touching his  bare shoulder. Michael's eyes slowly opened. "Hey...baby did you sleep okay? Are you alright?" He asked, pulling me towards his chest. "Yeah" I confessed, leaning my head against him. "You wanna talk about it?" He asked. Letting out a sigh I shook my head. "Not, not right now. I'm sorry" Honestly I felt too embarrassed to. "That's okay. Whenever you feel ready..." he said, placing a kiss on my forehead. Since it was an off day, Michael and I continued to lounge around in bed, ordering room service and watching tv. "So you excited for tomorrow night's show?" I asked, taking a bite of eggs. Michael nodded, a huge smile on his lips as he took a sip of water. "Yeah I can't wait for Tokyo. I heard its so beautiful over there" I nodded in agreement, playing with the rest of my food as silence settled over. It wasn't long before I felt a warm hand engulf mine, squeezing it gently. I slowly looked up at my boyfriend, a concerned look on his face. "You're really scaring me sweetheart. You sure you're alright?" I took in a deep breath, looking around the hotel room. "....no, I'm, I'm not...." I could hear the quiver in my voice. Immediately I shut my eyes, licking my lips before continuing. "The dream I had last night.....it was about Kendrick....Kendrick and W-Wesley...." "What happened?" "They....r-raped me" I whispered, my vision locked on the plate in front of me. "Oh my God Hazel" Michael whispered as he got out of his chair, hugging me tight. "God honey I'm so sorry" he whispered. "I feel so guilty..." I started, the tears already rolling down my cheeks. "Why?" "B-Because" I looked into his eyes. "That night of the Grammys...Kendrick was the one who lended me the money for my outfit and W-Wesley, in the dream they both knew each o-other. They stabbed you to death and there was so much blood e-everywhere....I tried so hard to save you but I, I c-couldn't...." "Shhh" Michael rocked me back and forth. "It's alright. They can't hurt you now....it's alright...." "M-Michael please....please just promise me that you'll never leave me....I don't know if I could take i-it....I love you too much" I confessed, my eyes closed. "I promise....I'll never leave you baby....I love you too much to ever leave you, especially now" I could hear his voice break as he brought my face to his and I felt his lips urgently attack mine. I honestly didn't know exactly what this dream I had was trying to tell me...All I knew was that I couldn't wait to be in Tokyo tomorrow night...

By the time the tour bus finally reached Tokyo, I had never been so relieved in my life. Life on a tour bus was definitely interesting to say the least. It was a cool experience. However The dream I had a couple days earlier had kept replaying in my mind and I didn't know why. Was it trying to tell me something? Michael had been such a sweetheart the entire ride, holding me, asking me if I needed anything, if I was alright. He seemed truly concerned but for some reason I kept trying to distance myself from him.  Once we reached the stadium, everyone was in their dressing rooms getting ready. I kept mostly to myself in the dressing room, enoying the peaceful scenery. Tokyo was such a beautiful place. It wasn't long before I felt a pair of arms circle securely around my waist. "You alright honey?" I heard him ask, his voice soft in my ear as he slowly rocked us back and forth. Nodding, I turned around and hugged him, burying my face in the silver long sleeved shirt he wore. "Kick ass tonight" I mumbled against his chest causing him to chuckle. "I'll try" He placed a kiss on my forehead. Lifting my head up from his chest, I ran a thumb across his cheek. "What wrong?" I shook my head, showing him some of the foundation that had rubbed off on my thumb. "Don't get me wrong, I love Karen but she puts WAY too much of this stuff on you...it isn't needed" I joked but Michael didn't smile. "Yeah it is Haze..." he whispered, looking away. "Why can't you just...you know, let them know about it?" I asked knowing this was a sensitive topic for him. Michael let out a laugh but it sounded so fake and forced. "Oh Yeah right! So they can only make fun of me more? They already think I'm a wacko now you want them to call me a spotted c-cow?" "No, that's not what I meant. It's just....Michael eventually people are gonna notice. You can't keep hiding it forever..." And it was true. He couldn't keep hiding it for too long. He even thought he could try and hide it from me too. But I knew. I knew. I pretended to act like I didn't notice it. That I didn't notice the little white blotches I've seen scattered on his caramel skin. I knew he had some type of skin disorder. I just didn't know what it was. "Well watch me. This is MY life Hazel. I can do whatever the hell I want alright? If I want them to know, then I'll let them. If I don't, then I swear to God they never will. It's MY choice...not yours..." I could tell Michael was getting irritated. He quickly walked over to the makeup table, harshly reapplying the thick foundation on his cheeks. Not really knowing how to respond, I kept my vision casted on the floor, trying to blink some of the tears I could feel forming away. An awkward silence had fallen over. Suddenly there was a knock on the door, startling us both. "Mike 5 minutes!" It was one of his bodyguards. "Okay" Michael answered as he turned around from the mirror. Feeling his eyes locked on me, I slowly glanced up, sniffing. I awkwardly cleared my throat. "Well uh, once again have a good show...sorry" I started to leave but Michael grabbed my wrists, pushing me up against the door. "What are-" I couldn't finish as his lips roughly attacked mine. I was completely caught off guard. Finding the strength, I pushed him away, my eyes wide. "The hell are you doing?!" I whispered. Michael didn't respond as he placed his hands on my chest, giving my breasts a good squeeze through the fabric of the pink t shirt I wore. "Shhh don't talk..." his voice was low. "W-We have to go! You're gonna be l-" He cut me off, grinding hard against me causing a low moan to escape my lips. "I thought I told you to be quiet...they can wait" he said, leaning in to kiss my neck as he continued grinding. Frantically I unbuckled his black pants, stroking him. "Shit" he panted, placing his hands against the door, leaning inward towards me. I continued to stroke him slowly, biting my lower lip. God he was so beautiful, especially like this. "F-Fuck I want you NOW" he groaned, practically ripping the jeans and undies I wore off, around my ankles. "Come on Mike!!! It's Showtime!" Another voice yelled from outside the door, snapping me out of my clouded thoughts of lust. "W-Wait, we gotta go-Oh!" I moaned as Michael slammed deep into me, shutting me up. "They. Can. Wait." He said through gritted teeth, lifting my leg up from my jeans, throwing it around his waist. "Mmm oh my God" I moaned but Michael placed a hand over my mouth, his brown eyes burning into mine as he continued thrusting in me. "Michael!! What are you doing?! Come on man!" The voice yelled. "I'll be out in a sec Wayne!" Michael managed to say, his voice absolutely calm. The only sounds I could make were little whimpers, his hand still over my mouth. "Shit...you feel so good baby" he whispered, increasing his speed and I could feel my eyes begin to roll back, my thighs starting to tremble with anticipation. I felt his arms tighten around my waist, his fingernails digging into my sides as I threw my arms around his neck, my face buried in his shirt to keep from screaming. "Alright I'm opening the door! You've got one minute!" Wayne yelled. "I, I'm coming okay I'm fuck I'm really coming now!! " Michael yelled as I let out a gasp, feeling my walls beginning to tighten and contract around him. "Holy-ummmhh" I moaned as I felt my entire body shake along with his, our chests heaving up and down. I collapsed against him, the both of us sinking to the floor. Frantically Michael placed his pants back on, helping me with mine. "Come on" he whispered, grabbing my hand as the dressing room door bursted open, a pissed off Wayne along with some of the rest of the crew standing in front of us. "What? We're ready now" Michael said, a huge smile on his features as we all rushed down the hallway to say a quick prayer, my cheeks the color of pure crimson the entire time. 

The show in Tokyo and just in Japan overall had been a huge success and now we were on a way back to the states. As the crew got settled in the seats of the private air plane, I took a seat next to Michael, who had his vision locked on the window. The moment my head hit his shoulder, he immediately looked down at me, placing a hand on my inner thigh. "You alright?" I heard him ask as the plane began to take off the runway. I nodded, my eyes closed. Once we finally reached back home in la, Michael gently shook my shoulders, waking me up. "Baby we're here" he whispered and I smiled as we grabbed our belongings and got off the plane. After saying my goodbyes to the crew (I'd see them again in about a week once the tour kicked off again in la) I was about to head back to the dorms when Michael stopped me. "Uh huh where you think you goin?" His voice was low in my ear, sending chills down my spine. "I'm uh going back to the d-dorms..." I stuttered. Michael chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed my hand. "You'll go back to the dorms soon....just not tonight...."

It was about a 2 hour drive to wherever the hell Michael and I were going. No matter how much I tried, he refused to tell me exactly where we were going and I was starting to get a little irritated. "I just hope you're not taking me to some abandoned area and dropping me in some ditch...." I mumbled causing him to burst out laughing. "Baby WHY would I even do that?" He was laughing so hard that I couldn't help but laugh too. It wasn't long before I ended up passing out in the backseat, my head resting in Michael's lap. Soon the car came to a stop and like before, I felt Michael shake my shoulders. "Nooo" I whined and Michael chuckled. "Come on honey we're actually here now..." Immediately my head snapped up and I frantically looked around. "Where are we??" I asked, the excitement evident in my voice as I practically shot out of the black suv and continued looking around. Since it was now dark out it was hard to see exactly where we were but wherever it was, the place was extremely huge. In the distance I could see lights and a Ferris wheel. We're we at some amusement park? Before I could answer, Michael beat me to it. "Hazel...welcome to my home, Neverland...." "Neverland?" I repeated, continuing to look around in awe. "You mean, like in Peter Pan?" Chuckling, Michael nodded as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "When...when did you buy this?" "A couple months ago...Im so happy I'm finally able to show you where I live..." Michael said as we walked towards the main house which I assumed was his actual house. Once we reached inside I gasped. It was absolutely breathtaking. "This...this place is beautiful" I breathed. And it truly was. "Come on, I'll show you the guest room" Michael grabbed my hand, the both of us heading down the long hallway. We reached the large guest room and once again I'm in complete awe of what I see. It's basically a master bedroom. "Woah...." I whisper to myself and Michael laughs quietly. "My bedroom is right down the hall. If you need anything just let me know alright?" I quickly nodded. "There should already be some clothes in there for you too...I'll be downstairs..." Michael started to leave but I grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards me. I crushed my lips against his causing him to moan softly in my mouth as I felt his arms circle around my waist. I broke our kiss, my lips on the inside of his neck. "Thank you so much....for letting me stay here" I whispered, placing a kiss on the inside of his neck causing him to shudder. "N-No problem" he stuttered and I giggled as I removed myself from his arms. "I'm gonna put on my pjs real quick then" I said, placing a quick kiss on his cheek and I could visibly see my boyfriend's face flush. "Alright I'll uh, I'll be downstairs" he took off causing me to laugh as I headed inside the guest room. I looked over at the large queen size bed and sure enough there was a pair of clothes for me to wear. It was black sweats with a white t shirt. The shirt looked like it belonged to Michael though. Giggling, I quickly changed into the clothes, deciding on going braless just to see how Michael would react. As I tiptoed down the stairs, I found michael in the kitchen preparing some popcorn. He had changed into a pair of black slacks with a green flannel long sleeved shirt. His curls were in a low bun. I held in my breath as I watched him. Lord he was so freaking FINE. His back was to me as he continued making the popcorn, humming softly to himself. I slowly walked up to where he stood, wrapping my arms around his waist, laying my head on his back. Michael jumped slightly, turning around and laughing. "Oh hey...I was wondering where you went. You wanna watch a movie? I made some popcorn" I nodded as we headed towards the living room, settling on the large couch. Michael put the movie in and pressed play. Immediately I grabbed a handful of popcorn, sighing happily as the warm buttery goodness hit my mouth. I made myself comfortable against my boyfriend, my head resting on his chest as he leaned back against the couch. It wasn't long before an hour into the movie I had ended up falling asleep. Believe me, I had tried to keep my eyes open but I had lost the battle and now was snoring lightly against Michael's shoulder. Even though I had fallen asleep, I still had felt him lift me up in his arms and walk up the stairs, placing me on the bed in the guest room. He placed a kiss on my forehead before walking out, quietly closing the door. The rain had ended up waking me later on that night. It wasn't pouring, just a light pitter patter against the roof with a rumble of thunder every now and then. It wasn't until a loud clap of thunder followed by a flash of lightning hit that I jumped and got out of the bed, walking out into the hallway down towards my boyfriend's bedroom. The door was opened a cracked and I slowly stepped inside, closing it behind me. At that moment, there was something I craved and he was the only one who had it. Michael was asleep underneath the covers. He was laying on his side, his face buried deep in the pillows. I walked towards the bed, taking a seat. Michael stirred a bit, opening his eyes, sleep still glazed over in them. God he was so tired. "H-Haze?" His voice was soft as he let out a yawn. "What's wrong baby?" "I can't sleep. Could I...could I stay with you please?" I asked, my vision locked on the blanket as another roll of thunder echoed throughout the bedroom, shaking the windows. "Of course" was Michael's response as he moved to the side and I quickly crawled underneath the covers. "Thanks" I mumbled as I felt him pull me closer to his body. I burried my face in his chest, smiling a bit as I felt Michael place kisses on my forehead and cheeks. "Is it the thunderstorm?" He asked. I nodded. "Want me to take your mind off of it?" "Please...." I practically begged. "Lay on your back..." he commanded quietly as he hovered over top of me. In that moment, Michael started to kiss on the inside of my neck causing a soft moan to escape my lips. Another clap of thunder rumbled loudly and I lifted my hips up, hoping he'd catch the hint. "Please...." I begged. "Please what?" Michael asked, removing the sweatpants I wore, stroking me through my undies. I took in a sharp breath. "Shit Michael...don't t-tease" I moaned as he reached down to give my breasts a squeeze. "See, I knew you weren't wearing a bra..." he smirked, licking his lips. A look of pure lust had settled in his chocolate orbs and it made me shiver in excitement. He was turning me on so damn bad. "Now...I'm not gonna ask again....please what?" 

"P-Please...I want you inside me..." I whispered and he smiled. "Your wish is my command...." his voice trailed off and once I felt his finger plunge deep in me, I let out a cry. "S-Shit" I moaned, my hips moving frantically to his rhythm. He leaned down to attack my lips, nipping at my bottom lip as continued fingering me. "Michael..." I could feel my orgasm surfacing. Sensing this, Michael quickly removed himself from his boxers. "Promise me..." Michael started, slowly entering his tip inside me. Damnit he was teasing. "Promise that you'll always stay with me..." Michael whispered before slamming into me causing us to both moan loudly at the sensation. "Promise me that you'll never leave me..." he said before slamming into me again. I let out a loud moan as I managed to say "I w-won't! I promise!" "I love you so much Haze" Michael groaned, quickening his pace. "Ugh I love you t-too!" I cried out, feeling my eyes roll back. It felt so fucking good. "Damn babygirl..." he breathed out the feel of my ass slapping hard against his thighs as the thunder roared even louder, encouraging us. I had wrapped my legs around his waist as he continued to hit my spot. "Shit baby...you feel so fucking good" Michael said, leaning down to kiss me as he thrusts even harder and deeper. I can't even respond as I feel my back begin to arch. "Michael....mmmhh" I moaned, my orgasm resurfacing again. "Shit I'm close too..." Michael moaned, both of our bodies glistening with sweat now. In one swift moment, Michael lifted me up and got out of the bed, throwing me up against the wall as he still continued thrusting deep in me. "Oh my god-" I moaned, throwing my head back against the wall as Michael's lips attacked my neck, leaving wet kisses and love bites. Immediately I felt my thighs begin to tremble and I started whimpering. "B-Baby" I cried. "Let it go Hazel...come for me honey" Michael whispered and I felt my walls clench around him. "S-Shiiiit" Michael hissed, his teeth clenched as he removed himself and came. I collapsed against his chest, both of us breathing deeply. "....Damn" we both breathed out, giggling. "Let's clean up..." he said, lifting me back up in his arms as he headed towards the shower. I was so exhausted I could barely stand up. I leaned my head against the shower wall for support as Michael helped wash me off. "Somebody's tiiiired" he sang softly, chuckling. I gave him a shy smile. After our shower I had changed into a pair of his clothes, the both of us falling into a deep sleep in the bed, the rain slowly pittering in the background.