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.

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