Love Has Many Surprises
Chapter 1 – Midnight Shopping in Harrods
Ever since I was little, I had always dreamed of being famous I would always watch films such as Footloose and Dirty Dancing and attempt at singing some of the songs and occasionally a couple of the dance routines. Now at the age of 27 my dream had come true. I have a £12 million recording contract with EMI and all the celebrity friends a person could dream of. I was born on July 29th, 1976. I had a fairly average childhood. When I was 18, I noticed that I could sing fairly well. So I would enter talent competitions with great enthusiasm but my voice was obviously not what the judges were looking for. After entering many competitions and not succeeding, my dream of being a famous singer began to fade rapidly. Until one day, on a chance visit to EMI studios. I secured my first recording contract.
I have many celebrity friends; one of them being Uri Geller. One day, Uri and I were at The Ritz having afternoon lunch, when Uri began to mention something about Harrods. I wasn't entirely listening at the time but when he asked if I wanted to come on a midnight shopping spree in Harrods with him, I quickly became interested. I had always had a look inside Harrods but I never bought anything because it was too expensive. But with the prospect of being able to buy whatever I want from there for free, soon got my taste buds glowing. Uri then said that a friend of his will be coming along too. I asked who and the answer I received sent my brain into overload. That friend of Uri's was Michael Jackson. The name alone caused a surge of excitement to rampage through my body. I could not believe what I was hearing, my whole body breathlessly agreed to go.
As I'm driven to Harrods, my heart races with excitement. Michael is my main inspiration and to be on a midnight shop with him and Uri tonight, is going to be so exciting. I get out a small hand mirror and check if I look ok. The car stops and my driver steps out and opens the door for me. As I step out, I'm greeted by Mohammed Al-Fyed (the owner of Harrods). We shake hands and walk inside the store. My eyes are overwhelmed with how posh it is. Gucci, Giorgio Armani and many other top name brands fill the surrounding shelves. As we walk on, I spot Uri and what looked like to be Michael, standing next to him. Uri sees me and embraces me with a hug.
"Michael, this is Ann. She's a singer" Uri says introducing me.
"Hi" Michael says nervously whilst shaking my hand.
I just smile; my nerves are also kicking in. This is more awkward than I thought. Maybe I will be more relaxed after we have had a look round.
"So, where would you like to go first?" asks Mohammed.
"Could we go and look at the music please?" asks Michael, half looking at me.
"Of course you can. Follow me"
Everyone follows him. I walk behind Michael. My eyes drift onto the marble floor in front of me. Michael is best looking man I have ever seen. His jet black hair gently sits on his shoulders, his hazel brown eyes just melt your heart instantly and his voice is like a soft melody soothing the listener's ears.
As we enter the entertainment section, my eyes instantly lock onto cut out of my latest album. Mohammed walks over to it.
"Your album has been selling really well Ann" He says turning to face me.
"That's nice to hear" I reply putting on a fake smile. I couldn't care less about how well it was selling. I'm the sort of entertainer who cares more about the passion of being creative in song writing and performing rather than money or success.
"Looks like you've got some competition there Michael" Uri says laughing.
Michael smiles and looks in my direction. My gaze instantly darts onto the floor. Every time I look at Michael. I end up dreamily staring at him, which would be very embarrassing, if he were to catch me doing so. I walk over the DVD's and see if there are any good films.
Michael watches me; Uri comes over to him and whispers:
"Why do you keep watching her?"
"Huh…what did you say?" Michael says realising that Uri was talking to him.
"I said why do you keep watching her?" Uri asks again.
"I don't know. She's just so beautiful. Just looking at her now makes my heart skip a beat. It's been a while since I felt like this about a woman"
"Why don't you ask her out then?"
"What? We've only just met. I would like to get to know her first before I make a move"
"Oh…okay" Uri says disappointed.
Suddenly my ears pick up a familiar sound. My latest song "Spirit of the Night" was blasting from the shop speakers. I turn and look at Mohammed. He just raises his shoulders. I just roll my eyes and head back towards Michael and Uri.
"This is your latest single isn't it?" asks Uri.
"Yes" I reply.
"It sounds amazing" Michael says looking at me with his soft brown eyes.
"Aww thank you" I say smiling.
Michael blushes slightly and looks at the floor. It was becoming fairly obvious that he has feelings for me and to be honest, I have feelings for him too.
We continue to look at the DVD's and CD's for the next 30 minutes. Afterwards we head into the toy department.
Row upon row of soft toys, dolls and action figures stretch out in front of me. I walk over to the soft toys; Michael comes and stands next to me. I pick up a stuffed kitten.
"It's cute" Michael says.
"I know but I have too many soft toys" I say laughing.
"You can never have too many" Michael replies smiling.
"I suppose"
I place the kitten back and continue to look at the shelf. Suddenly I hear Uri call my name…
"Hey Ann, guess what day it is?"
"What day is it?" I ask looking confused.
"It's Free Hug Friday" Uri answers smiling.
I roll my eyes and turn my back on him.
"What's Free Hug Friday?" Michael asks.
"Oh, when I first met Uri. We used to make every Friday, the day you give out free hugs. I'd hope he would have dropped it by now"
"Oh right…Can I have a hug?" Michael asks nervously and biting his lip.
"Sure"
Michael holds me close to him but he does it gently, like he was holding something breakable. Uri sees us hug and whispers something to Mohammed. I want this hug to last forever but to my disappointment, it doesn't. Michael pulls away, he smiles but then looks at the floor. It was almost like he was a bit embarrassed by what we had just done. After a minute or two of awkward silence, Michael and I re-join Mohammed and Uri. Uri gives me look as if to say "What you two been up to". I pretend that I haven't seen his facial expression and look at my watch.
We all then walk into the instrument department. I instantly walk over to the electric guitars. Mohammed follows me.
"Do you play then Ann?" He asks.
"Yeah, I've been playing the guitar since I was 12" I reply picking up a Cherry Red 335.
"Do you want it plugged in, so you can have a go?"
"I'd love to"
Mohammed calls one of the shop assistants over, who then gets the wire and plugs in the guitar for me. I smile and say thank you.
"So…what can you play?" Mohammed asks.
"Erm…I can do Beat It" I say running my hand up the neck of the guitar.
"Ok, let's hear it"
I start to play, as I do so, Michael and Uri turn around and walk over. Michael smiles and whispers to Uri. As I finish playing, everyone claps. I smile and place the guitar back.
"Wow, that was brilliant" Uri says.
"Thanks. My secret talent" I say winking.
As we look round the rest of Harrods, Michael sticks very close to me. Our hands have both brushed against each other's as we walk around; causing both of us to blush each time it happens. Uri constantly tries to hint that he also likes me but he just ends up beginning to annoy me. As we stop at where we first met, I feel Michael's hand once again brush past mine but this time we both pretend that nothing happened.
"Well it's been nice to see you again" Uri says smiling and holding out his arms.
"Yes it has" I say shaking his hand. He had annoyed me enough tonight, the last thing I need is hug from him.
"See you on Wednesday Michael" Uri says before walking out in huff.
"Bye" replies Michael.
I begin to walk out when Michael calls my name. I stop and turn round. He quickly walks up to me.
"It's been…nice to meet you. I've really enjoyed it" Michael says nervously
"I've enjoyed it too" I say smiling.
"Will I see you again?" Michael asks looking at me with hope in his eyes.
"Of course, when?"
"Well, you could come with me and Uri for a look around the Houses of Parliament"
"Yeah, is that where you are going on Wednesday?" I ask.
"Yes" Michael replies.
"So…I guess I'll see you then"
Michael holds out his arms and we both embrace each with a hug. As we do so, I feel Michael's warm breath on my shoulder, suddenly he softly kiss my cheek. His lips feel so nice against my skin. He then gives me a squeeze before we both then go our separate ways.
As I'm driven back home, I sit in shock. The fact that Michael had just kissed me is whizzing around my brain. I briefly place my hand on where he kissed me and smile. I can't wait to see him again on Wednesday.