Catch Me If I Fall (A Michael Jackson Story)

Chapter 16- Studio

Chapter 16

Throughout the afternoon, I finally finish my essay that's due tomorrow for classes. I stretch and find Michael in my office, laying across the floor and reading my Shakespeare's Book of Collections.

Michael, reading? I don't mean to judge, but he doesn't seem like the man who excells intellectually.

I fail to supress my laughter and my snort comes out.

He looks up from the thick book, irritation etched on his face.

"What? Personality doesn't portray everything Bella. I could read anything I could get my hands on if I wanted to." He snaps.

I suddenly feel guilty for my hasty judgement. I nervously fiddle with my thumbs.

"I'm sorry Michael." He says.

He rolls his eyes and his phone blares. He picks it up and answers.

"Hello? Yeah, I'm not busy. Yeah, I guess. Sure, I'll be there soon."

He ends the call and then rises from his position.

"What's going on?"

He clears his throat.

"Quincy says I have to meet him in the recording studio."

I gasp in excitement.

"Quincy? As in, Quincy Jones?" I ask.

"Oh, so you know of him and not me? That makes perfect sense." Michael mumbles.

I ignore his remark and force myself not to jump up and down.

"May I come with you? I'd love to meet him." I try for an even tone but my voice squeaks.

Michael smirks and my red spreads across my face.

He shrugs.

"Fine, go get ready," he says.

"Okay!" I smile and change my outfit.

I decide to go for a casual but dressy look: black solid dress pants, a butterfly shirt, and flats.

I come out of my bedroom and Michael is waiting for me. He raises his eyebrows at me and then nods, approving of my outfit. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

I follow him into his jet black Merc and he gets behind the wheel.

"Are you sure you want to drive Michael? I can if--"

"No no, its fine. I got this."

He waves me off but looks determined, as if trying to prove something.

But what is there to prove? Surely the fact that he's Michael Jackson is enough.

I shrug and slump in my seat.

Michael looks over at me and grins.

"Are you getting more comfortable around me?" He asks.

I immediately blush and look down out of habit.

"Spoke too soon."

He sighs and runs his finger across his bottom lip.

I wish he would stop that. I shift uncomfortably in the leather car seat.

"So, what will you be recording?"

"Just a few demos, but it will mainly be a meeting for my tour organization."

I nod understandingly.

"I must say, you've gotten better at this driving thing."

I look over and see him grinning at me.

"I guess so, Bella."

My name tumbling from his lips makes my stomach flop.

I wonder if he has this effect on all women.

He pulls into a recording studio with glass and brick walls.

I can't believe I'm about to meet Quincy!

What should I go for? Quincy, Mr. Q, Sir Jones?

I step out of the car and walk inside, Michael holding the door open.

The first thing I notice is the privacy. It looks like a very comfortable place to brainstorm lyrics, a place where the paparazzi wouldn't get to easily.

"Quincy!" Michael calls.

He emerges from one of the recording rooms.

"Michael! Glad you can make it," Quincy says.

They hug each other and I stand there politely during their exchange.

They break apart and Quincy changes his direction to me.

"And who might this be?" He asks.

"Quincy, this is Bella. She's my--"

"Friend." I cut in quickly.

"Its a great pleasure to meet you Mr. Jones. I really admire your work."

I extend my arm to him and he gracefully shakes my hand.

"Why thank you Bella, that's much appreciated."

He claps his hands together.

"Well, Michael and I are going to work on some numbers. You're welcome to watch if you'd like Bella." Quincy says.

"Wow, thank you. I'd be delighted."

I flash a look to Michael and see his cheeks are a hint of red. Is Michael blushing? I suddenly feel confident. Its always the other way around, him controlling my feelings. This time, I'm controlling his, and it feels good. Different, but good.

I take a seat on the other side of the glass window and wait for Michael to set up.

He takes in a deep breath and starts to sing 'Another Part of Me.'

All the notes are sung to perfection and he looks so happy doing what he loves. Its like he's in his natural habitat.

Once he's done, I stand on my feet and clap like a maniac. Michael covers his face as if embarrassed. My heart races by the fact that I might have an effect on him. Whatever the case may be, his shyness is beyond adorable.

He comes out from the room and I hug him tightly before I can stop myself.

"Michael, you were wonderful." I say.

"Thanks.." He says, flicking his fingers through his curls.

Quincy and Michael then go into a room to discuss tour dates and concerts.

I wait for them for an hour before they return.

"Alright, bye Quince!"

He turns to me.

"Ready to go?"

I nod and we exit from the studio and into Michael's Merc.

I notice that we missed the turn to the road of my apartments.

"Michael, you missed the turn."

"Oh? I know." He says.

My heart beats faster.

"Then, where are we going?"

"My house." He chuckles and looks at me.

For some reason that I can't explain, I'm fearful about this situation.

~~~~~~~~

-Joy <3