Chapter 2

Chapter 2

We were walking away from the restroom hallways to other parts of the museum. I would look behind myself every once in a while to see if that guy I ran into was following right behind, but I didn't see anyone. Something about his eyes, though, made him look familiar. However, I really didn't care so I just tuned in with my friends' conversation. Denise asked.

" Can we go to that snack bar near the front entrance." You have got to be kidding me. I told her no but apparently India had a 'better' answer," Sure babe, don't let the big bad wolf get to you." she looked back at me with a grin on her face. Yes, I was behind them both, they walked so fast. We went over by the snack bar and Denise took out her money, India scanning the menu.

I scoffed," I am not about to stand here and watch you two stuff your faces with candy." I looked around, unsure of where to go. A hand was on my shoulder, I heard India," Going somewhere, Liyah?" I turn to face her," Yes, for a matter of fact. I am going to go art watching..."

India rose an eyebrow," Art..watching? What the hell.." I cut her off," Yes, India, art watching." I smirk," Text me whenever you're ready to go." I left them feeling ever so confident, that I forgot I barely know where to even go in this place. So I just went to the nearest painting and started from there.

__________

I figured I waited long enough for them to be out of my sight, so it doesn't seem like I was following them. Walking away from the restroom hallways, I scanned every woman's faces secretly to see if I could find her. I could at least try to talk to her, right? Still looking around, I spot those two other girls that were with her, sitting on the bench in front of the snack bar, but no Aaliyah.

" Excuse me?" I said, walking up to them," Excuse me.."I said a bit louder. The dark haired, lighter skinned woman's eyes wondered up at me as she sipped on her juice box. She had a pretty face as well as the one sitting next to her. She furrowed her brows awaiting for a question of some sort.

" Oh, I'm sorry to bother you two but..." I could feel my face getting hot," there was another girl with you and..umm..." I chuckled out of embarrassment, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. The girl's face went from confusion to amusement, should I be scared? I flashed a look at the smaller woman beside her, our eyes met, she quickly looked down blushing. That was cute, she must be very shy. The other woman stood up.

" You must be talking about Liyah...err... Aaliyah." she smiled but I could tell it wasn't any ordinary smile... Rather a welcoming or devious. Reading her was hard. " My name is India, by the way. She's Denise." India pointed to her friend. Denise looked up at me with innocent brown eyes, greeting me with a kind hello.

India pointed in the direction Aaliyah went," She went that way, she's 'art watching'" she finger quoted. I was smiling at her humor, you couldn't tell through my satin mask," Thank you, nice meeting you both."

I was far off from them, then I heard India yelling," Hey I didn't catch your name!" Almost stopping without thinking, I just kept going as if I didn't hear her. There were many people around, standing or walking, I didn't know who to look at. Then there was this specific woman that stood out of the rest with their hair in a pony tail... Aaliyah.

Thinking to myself: Just go with it, you idiot..

Here goes nothing.

_____________________

This painting is very interesting, of course it's by Michael Jackson, his were only the best in this place. It was a pretty painting of a woman angel cuddling with a baby angel, with music notes scattered around it. It was unique to me not only because of the warming background colors and beautiful display, but it made me think of my mother whenever she held me as a child. Oh how I wish to be a kid again. Closing my eyes, I chuckled at my thoughts, rubbing the back of my neck...

" Beautiful isn't it?" I gasp, opening my eyes and looking over to the person the voice came from. It was that guy who bumped into me. What is he doing here.. I securely held onto my purse, trying not to let him notice. I agreed," Yes it is." My eyes were locked on him, the vibes went down a little when he didn't attempt to rob me, I admired the painting once more. There was a slight awkward silence.

He broke it," You're a fan of Michael Jackson?" Without looking at him, I answered," His work is amazing." What does this guy want? I sighed looking down. I wasn't exactly swell with small talk.

" Aaliyah... Right?" he asked. What the!? How does he know my name, has he been stalking me? I don't like this, but wait. I always jump to conclusions too fast without talking first. Let me see. " How do you know my name?" I asked, eyeing him. He looks down at me, his eyes were very soulfully beautiful, and still kind of familiar.

hmmm

" When your friends came found you after we bumped into each other. They said your name. Remember?" Oh, now I'm not as suspicious. I told him," Yes... Aaliyah Marie Williams." I slightly nodded. We walked to the next painting, it wasn't really a painting of Michael Jackson but I know he helped that person. It was still unique, though. I feel a bit more comfortable with this guy now. I moved closer to him to get a better look at his eyes.

" You have very beautiful eyes." I bit my bottom lip, did I just say that? Stupid! I could hear him chuckle deeply underneath that surgical mask. Now I don't feel so stupid. " Thanks." he took the compliment quite well. I have an idea.

" Mind if I get your number? I'd love to keep in touch with you." I asked, kind of hoping he'd say yes but something is telling me to not let him have my number. I ignored that feeling. Looking up at him, I put my hands behind my back, tapping the tip of my shoe, I'm wearing sneakers by the way, on the floor. He froze. Well.

__________________

My number? Is that a good idea? As much as I'd be happy to give it to her.... Why not?

" Um.. Sure." I answered slowly. I could see the light in her eyes shine. Obviously excited, I laugh in my mind, she'd think I was immature, maybe, if i did out loud. She reached in her purse and took out a cell phone, waiting for me to give her a number. Once I gave her the digits, I told her," I'd love to keep in touch as well."

This is going smoother than I thought it would.

Aaliyah made a face while looking at the phone, My thoughts shattered," ...Something wrong?" she looked at me and snickered," I'm sorry, I need your name. What is it?" That sounded more like a demand than a question. She watched me in anticipation. I had to think... Jack London.

" Okay." she said. What? I said that out loud? Oh well, she believed me anyway. She said," Well Mr. Jack London, I have your number saved, I might call you later," smiling. Her phone vibrated quite loudly. Disappointment swallowed her face," Sorry, my friends are ready to go. It was really nice talking to you, Jack."

To be honest, I was disappointed as well, but more good moments shall come, I'm sure of it. Aaliyah came in to hug me instantly, saying our goodbyes and she was on her way. Of course I watched her leave.

__________

scene. It appears Michael has found him a beautiful young lady, but he lied to her. He's no 'Jack London' . He needs to learn that one lie can lead to another. There are many possibilities to how this little friendship shall end. What Aaliyah don't know, won't hurt her. Right? Well if you were paying attention, this little lie could end sooner than you think. Let's see how this goes.

Chapter 1

Thursday - April 9, 1987

I was walking around the school holding my books securely against my chest, desperately trying to get to my next class. God, why did my mother get me registered into this huge school. Better yet, why did I decide to wear such heels today. Oh yes, look, it's India. What is she doing? She's talking to someone, a guy. That whore.. I'm not the one to judge, I love India with all my heart, but she's always talking to some other boy. I walk up behind her as she closes her locker.

I tap her shoulder," India..." She turned to me with a pleasing smile. " Aaliyah, what are you doing, your class in down the hall." Never mind that, I think to myself. The guy leaned back on his heel to get a gander at myself, then to India. The hallway was nearly empty, the bell would ring any minute.

" India, I'm going to class now. See you later." he looked at me again," Aaliyah." I nodded my head," John.." he was on his way. I gripped India's arm and we walked to 5th block. Thank God it's the last block of the day, I was exhausted.

India managed to get out of my grasp," What the heck is wrong with you, girl?" Simply ignoring her, I continued into the room, taking my seat. I was not going to stand, sit, or whatever through another one of her 'famous' lectures, but she came up to me anyway, well not to me but into the class room to turn in the assignment on the teacher's desk. Another girl walked in behind her; Denise. A smile immediately spreads across my face. My lovely darling. Wait a minute.... Is she eating a candy bar? Really? I rolled my eyes and looked down, mouthing 'Wow'.

She came up to me with that little innocent voice of hers," Liyah, did you still want to go to that Museum of Modern Arts down town with India and me, Saturday?" Kill me, please. The last thing I wanted to do was get involved with anything 'Michael Jackson'. But.. since I promised the other day, I'm up for it. I look up into those dark brown eyes. " Of course." I smiled.

Denise smiled back, India came up beside me and sat in the desk beside me. Denise pranced her way to the seat behind me. My eyes wonder over to the right of me, catching India's eyes, oops. I hated looking into other peoples' eyes, it makes me nervous.

" Hey, I..."she began but the teacher walked in, which meant everyone had to shut up now. Which made me happy at the moment. He went straight to his desk and put everything into a neat order. What a clean freak. Anyway, Mr. Sanders walked in front of the chalk board, clapped his hands together and said," Okay, let's begin."

_____________________

I sat in my chair, paint brushes in hand. Taking a break from working, listening to the smooth sounds of classical music. My door was opening slowly, a red haired woman in reading glasses peeked her head through the door. I watched her, feeling myself crack a small smile.

" Mr. Jackson, phone call."

I was in the cold studio of my wonderful museum, working on a new painting. I rise up from the chair and walked up to her and grabbed the phone from her hand, excusing her to go now. I closed the door, putting the phone to my ear.

" Hello, this is Michael.." I answer cheerfully. A shaky voice was on the other end, sounding of a young teen aged boy," Hello... Mr.Jackson. This is Jacob McCall, calling for the job opening?"

Job opening? Oh yes, Okay, I remember now, he's actually 21 years old. " Ah, yes. Mr.McCall, where are you now?" I asked him. He responded," I'm at home now, sir. About.... 10 minutes away from your museum." I walked to the door and opened it, just in time before my secretary went into her office, she looked back at me. I signalled for her," Uhh, hold on, Mr. McCall." I lowered the phone just as she got to me.

" What am I doing in the next ten minutes or so?" I asked hurriedly. She looked at the schedule that was already in her hands, shifting her reading glasses. " Nothing, Mr.Jackson." she looked up at me. I put the phone back to my ear," Still there Jacob?"

" Yes, sir."

" Okay, well, I will get my secretary to schedule an interview with you in ten minutes, do you think you can make it?" I smiled to myself, my secretary was already writing it down on the clip board. The man squealed like a little girl on the other line, I laughed at his enthusiasm. " Okay, sir. I'll be there."

" Great, bring your artwork." I said and then hung up the phone. I won't waste my time telling you how the interview went, for I still have that painting to attend to, just know he got the job and will start Saturday afternoon. His artwork was amazing.

_______________________

The bell had rung and it was time for us to head on home. Happily, I grabbed my books and school bag going to the door and out the class room. Oh yeah, I had to wait on my friends. I walked backwards and stopped in front of the door, turning my head towards them. India and Denise were talking to each other, seemingly enjoying each other's company, making me curious. I furrowed my eyebrows," hmm."

They acknowledge my presence making Denise smile sweetly, waving a little. She walked up to me and we went out into the hallways, India followed behind. It was so quiet, why are they so quiet around me? " So..." I said," What were you guys talking about?" Denise didn't even look at me, she was so shy, too shy. " We were just discussing our plans for after school." she said softly.

Whatever. " Okay." I shrugged it off. We all stopped at India's locker, my other friend took out another candy bar from her purse. I snatched it from her, damn girl. Stop eating. I wanted to say that but I have a heart deep down. I laugh to myself, my thoughts kill me. I try not to do that around too many people, they'll think I've gone mad. Maybe I have. I shrug.

" Liyah.." she only wanted the candy bar, poor girl. All of that weight will catch up on her one day, why can't she see I'm only trying to help. I hold the candy bar up in the air out of her reach, she was a mere 5'2'' almost 5'3'', short compared to my 5'6''. " Liyah." she whined. Ha, is that all she can say? Suddenly the chocolate sweet was gone from my hand, I turn to look at my dark haired friend.

" Stop teasing the girl." India gave the bar back to Denise, gladly taking it. I made a crooked smile," I was not teasing her. I'm just trying to help her from getting false teeth and fat before she's even 25." I laugh a little looking down at her. Oh come on, is she about to cry? Poor Jenna. By the way, Jenna is her middle name, we call her that sometimes. Anyway, I turn to talk to India, she seems to understand me more than anyone.

I helplessly asked her," You guys are seriously going to make me go to that museum, Saturday, aren't you?" India, whose sipping on her McDonald's cup, nodded," Mhmm. You promised. Can't break a promise." she waved her finger in my face. I sighed," but.. you know why I don't want to go."

The tiny voice behind me said," Just because it's Michael Jackson's museum, doesn't mean you have to look at his artwork or anything. He has workers that paint for him and other famous artists' painting. You can look at other peoples' stuff...." I glanced behind myself at Denise, she was making that puppy dog face. She added," You promise." I chuckled at her, that innocent attitude of hers is going to be the death of me. Probably the sweetest thing next to babies and newborn puppies.

" Okay, okay. I'll go. Obviously there is no turning back now." I told them both, rolling my eyes. The second bell finally rung, we always wait for the second bell before we officially leave. Gives us time to talk and think if we need to go back to a class just in case we forgot something. India closed her locker door and we left.

_____________________

Saturday - April 11, 1987

I was in the car with India and Denise, we were on the way to the Museum of Arts or whatever the hell it's call. I don't care, nor do I want to be there. But I stay with my promises, plus they're my friends and I'll do anything for them. I was in the back seat, Denise in the passengers seat and India was driving. About a couple seconds or more later we made it to this huge building. I've never really paid much attention to it but it was astonishingly beautiful, I have to admit, the man has taste, and they don't know that I love his artwork, I've only seen it other places. God, if they did, endless questions.

India looked back at me with a smile," We're here." I gave her a 'I think I know that' look and we all got out the car. It was really nice out considering it had rained yesterday. Oh yeah, I still need to learn that script, you know about that I think? Yes.

Once we were in the cursed building, I looked around from the tiled floors to the.... Snack bar!? They have a freaking snack bar?? I looked over at Denise, she was already eye balling it. Sigh. I told them to take me to the restroom. India grabbed my wrist and said," Your bladder is the size of a peanut, I swear, Liyah." Denise followed us.

" Heh-Heh.. " I looked on the floors, which is now all black tiled, and saw Michael Jackson's initials together in gold. Fancy bastard. India pushed the doors to the lady's room open and guided me in. I shook out of her grip and pleaded with them both," Wait on me outside, please." They looked at each other and nodded, I squinted my eyes," I mean it, I don't know my way around this place."

India snickered," Okay. Come on, Jenna." They walked outside the restroom. Denise pushed her back against the wall. There was this huge, long mirror going down this part of the hallway, she was staring out into the opening view of the big water fountain that had a cupid statue over it, meaning Love. That man was all about 'love'. " Denise?" India called her attention. She looked over at her friend.

" Let's go." she whispered, smiling deviously. Denise had a worried look on her face and looked at the restroom door, " But.." she pointed. India was already walking away, knowing Denise would follow her anyway... she pouted.

" India wait." Denise walked after her.

....

I walked up to the mirror after washing my hands, I ran my wet fingers through my hair, releasing it from it's ponytail. Then I reached into my purse and took out my brush, brushing my hair back into a ponytail again. Pleased with my appearance, some call my conceited, I can be sometimes but who isn't? Yeah, I walked out the restroom come to see India and Denise were gone. I stomped my foot out of frustration.

" Those insignificant little..." I balled my hands into fists, made sure my purse was secure on my shoulder and stormed off in the direction we came from. I am high upset, I don't really know where to go, to be honest. This huge museum was still unknown to me, as for now, I am lost. Darn it.

______________________

Walking around the museum, it seemed busy today so I decided to wear a slight disguise, my black satin surgical mask and a hoodie. Even though I own this museum, fans still try to mob me. It's crazy. Maybe people will talk to me or I talk to them normally without being rampaged. I turn a corner to where the restrooms would be, walking, staring outside to the opening without paying attention of what was in front of me.

" Slow day... Maybe I should just go home..." I heard the sound of someone walking, as soon as I looked in front of myself, I collided with someone, " Sorry... I'm so sorry.." I look at their face. A woman. I quickly reached down to help her back to her feet. I felt so sorry for knocking her off balance. " I'm so sorry..." I said again. She finally opened her eyes and looked up at me. Goodness, her eyes were beautiful, couldn't help but to notice her pretty face too. My face was hot, I'm blushing as I help her back to her feet.

She told me," No.. I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." I couldn't help but stare, she stared back, then I realized she was looking into my eyes... Quickly, I tried to hide them.

" Wow.." she said kind of under her breath," okay.."

" Aaliyah!" I heard another girl yell from in front of me and behind her. She turned around to see two other people power walking up to her. She quickly ran to them," Guys... Leave me again, I will kill you, hear me? Kill.you." The short girl's mouth dropped, she seemed horrified by the words. The other one about Aaliyah's height just laughed," You're funny, babe. Let's go look around." They started walking in the opposite direction, playfully pushing each other around.

(Aaliyah. That named played in my mind. I had to go talk to her, but I just can't up and say hello my name is Michael Jackson, she'll probably freak out like any other fan. I'll think of some fake name. I have to make her mine...)

Introduction

Introduction - April 10th, 1987

Scene. A place with a dark stadium - the spotlight appears as a young lady emerges out of the darkness. She was auditioning for a play of some sort, looking to be anxious and alert all at once. The young lady appeared to be at least in her late teens? She stood tall, probably about 5' 5-6'', her appearance was model like. Very light skinned, but you could tell she was biracial. Long, black hair that fell over her shoulders, curling at the end, with hazel eyes and slightly full lips. Simply beautiful, clothing fitting every curve on her body.

She stood there patiently waiting for questions from three judges, swallowing the anticipation that was developing in her throat as they studied her features.

Judge one: State your name.

girl: (clears throat) Aaliyah Marie Williams, but some people call me Liyah (confident)

Judge two: And how old are you Aaliyah?

Aaliyah: Seventeen, I turn eighteen in a couple of months. (gaze out into space, obviously thinking) About four months.

Jude three: Brothers and/or sisters?

Aaliyah: I'm an only child.. well my mom is pregnant. Five months

Judge one: (places pencil down and looks up at the young lady before them) Are you still in school? What school, what grade, if so.

Aaliyah: Yes.. I am in a Senior. My last year of high school (smiling). Westmark.. a private school in Encino.

Judge three: Oh, so you stay in Encino, can you tell us what you do, Miss Williams? As in talent.

She looked around the stage, thinking for a minute: I play the violin... That's about it. (nervous laugh, staring down at her designer sandals) I'm very good at it too.

Judge one: We heard your school was taking a trip?

Aaliyah: (nods) Yes, actually...

Judge two: Do you have many enemies at your school?

Aaliyah: ...Well, I know some people don't like me. I don't have a bad record at my school or anything, I don't know what it is. (quickly scratches head) but I could careless about any of those dumb whores... Except for my like only two friends; India and Denise.

Judge one: Wow. (writing)

Judge two: Rivals?

Aaliyah: This one girl, I don't really like as much... Her name is Miranda. Never liked her since the fifth grade, and she's constantly talking about that... that artist.

Judge one: Who is this 'artist' you mean?

Aaliyah: I'm sure you've heard of him. Michael Jackson.

Judge three: Why do you refer him to, 'that artist'? You don't like him?

Aaliyah: Not really, all of those things I hear about him in the news. Ridiculous! (smiles to herself) ... I do like his work, only credit I'm giving him.

Judge one: Only thing you like about Mr. Jackson is his work, yes? What about his charity work?

Aaliyah: It's good what he does for those children... I'm sorry but why are we talking about him. (slightly confused)

Judge two: We just wanted to know of your opinion. What is your relationship with your parents?

Aaliyah: Very well, I am proud to say that I love them both a lot. I guess you could say, I'm a daddy's girl.

Judge one: (stops writing) Do you have a boyfriend, Miss Williams?

Aaliyah: No, I'm afraid not. (grins nervously) Why?

Judge three: Would like to have one? What kind of guy are you looking for?

Aaliyah: I guess so... I wouldn't mind having someone charming, nice, sweet, smart.. They have to be smart. Good looking (hand gestures) haha. Again, why?

Judge two: Just wondering.

Judge three: Do you know what you're getting yourself into?

Aaliyah: (deep breath) Yes. I do. This shall be a great play. (smiles)

Judge one: It shall. You are dismissed. (stands up)

Aaliyah nodded and walked out the back stage door, grabbing her school bag on the way out. Reading the play's script, she walked right outside into the drenching rain.

" Oh no.." she gasped, trying not to get the script wet. Aaliyah stumbled back into the building.

It is raining quite heavy outside, she always loved the sound of rain, it calmed her. Her soulful eyes admired the dark gray clouds scattered across the sky. She put her school bag on the floor, undid the flap and took out her purple umbrella.

...........

Scene. In a dark room, a man sat there in a chair at a table, leaning back. He was simultaneously tapping his fingers on the table, looking up at the light above him. His nicely shaped caramel toned facial features were charming to look at. His clothing seemed comfortable; a blue silk like shirt and black dress pants, white socks and loafers. A black fedora hat sitting upon his head. There was a huge one way mirror right in front of him, the people on the other side were staring right at him, he wasn't aware.

Someone flipped a switch and a green light came on from both rooms. The man looked up at the light as if on cue for a movie, he stared carefully.

Intercom man: Name?

Man: (raises eyebrow) Michael Joe Jackson.

I.M.: How old are you, Michael?

Michael: (blink and leans forward, pressing elbows against table, cuffing hands together) I am twenty-nine years old. I will be 30 in August.

I.M.: Brothers and/or sisters?

Michael: (chuckles) I have five brothers and three sisters.

I.M.: Quite a big family you have there.

Michael: (nods) Yes, it is.

I.M.: I see, and what is your occupation?

Michael: Heh-heh. Well. (leans back in chair again, licks lips) I am a famous artist, not to brag but the most famous one in all of California, and I own the museum of modern arts downtown. I also write poetry, record it and sell it on CDs...

I.M.: Many fans? From the looks of this biography, I am looking at now, you have been drawing ever since you were little?

Michael: (smiling) Yeah. I love them all. They're very faithful to me. Yes, I have, my Mother says my talent is incredible.

I.M.: Have you ever been encountered by people that did not like you? How did they make you feel, if so?

Michael: (chuckles a little, deep breath) Yes, I have. It's hurtful having to deal with hateful people. I mean, if you don't like the person, why not keep it to yourself? I am just like everyone else. Why treat me so different?

I.M.: I understand, there are many people out there that spread hate( Michael nods). One question for dating, Mr. Jackson. ( Michael waits.) Do you have a girlfriend or a wife?

Michael: (shifts uncomfortably up in the chair) No, I don't.

I.M.: Do you wish to have one of the two?

Michael: Oh God, I thought that was the last question. (slightly amused) Well to answer you, I wouldn't mind... I can get lonely...(lowering his eyes)

I.M.: Hmm...(Silence.)

I.M.: Maybe you'll come across that one person some day.

Michael: (smirks) Yeah... haha.

I.M.: Where do you live?

Michael: In Encino at my Neverland Ranch.

I.M.: Oh? (paper shifting can be heard... mumbling)

Michael: Why did...(interrupted)

I.M.: Michael, how do you feel about the seniors from Westmark visiting your Neverland home as a...highschool field trip?

Michael: I don't mind. It's in two weeks, it should be fun. I could have made it next week but I'm letting a friend of mine get married there and have a party. I'm pretty much tied, ah-heheh.. (pouts lips humming a random tune)

I.M.: Ah, I see. And the parents. They know of this?

Michael: Yes, or at least I'm sure they do.

I.M.: What if I told you, you'd find someone at that little get together? Maybe.

Michael: Huh?

There was a dinging noise. Michael looked around with a wary look. The other people seemed to notice.

I.M.: Oh, well our time is up, we enjoyed talking with you. Nice job, we've seen your work.(a smile that cannot be seen)

Michael thought to himself..we?..: Touche and thank you. I enjoyed it as well. Have a nice day and umm... God Bless.

Michael rose up on his feet from the chair as the green light goes off. He has a tall lean body shape, estimated to be about 5' 9-10''. Michael spun on his heel to the door, the sound clacking sound of the heels of his loafers filled the room. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he turned once more to look at the huge mirror, still not able to see who or what he was talking to. He left out the room without thinking twice, closing the door behind him.

__________________________