Chapter one
Santa Barbara November 2001
I hate the paparazzi. Lord knows I spent my life being shielded from them. Bodyguards were a way of life all my life. I can't even remember a time where I could leave without at least one that was packing. It was like being the daughter of the president, or better yet, a king. Which technically I was. The King of Pop to be exact.
I was back in Santa Barbara after spending the last five or so months in Chanhassen, Minnesota working on my album. All I wanted was a little shopping trip to Rodeo but that was a bad plan. Here I was in Vivienne Westwood and the whole front of the store was surrounded by paps. The flashes of cameras never bothered me though. It was always their inappropriate questions.
Just as I was being escorted out they started.
" Bibi what's going on in your love life? Is there anyone special warming the princess of pop's bed? Perhaps the king of funk? Is it true that you came in between him and Mayte? Bibi please share. "
" I miss the peacefulness of Minnesota. " I said more to myself than anyone else.
I was safely escorted into my Beamer which was parked right behind the sea of paps. Once we were away from all of that I could breathe properly. Next stop, Neverland.
I know what you're thinking what kind of grown man has an amusement park in his backyard? Let me explain... Because he fucking wants to. Point. Blank. Period.
My father didn't know that I was coming, but with all of the commotion at the store, he should know by the time I get there. Damn paps ruined my surprise once again.
When we finally got there I walked in and looked around everything was just like I left it. " Hello? Is anyone here? "
" Is that my Bibi?! " Came my father's voice from the kitchen.
I ran in and gave him a big hug. " Oh, dad I've missed you. "
He pulled me back and took a long look. " You're looking a little thin what has that man been feeding you? " He asked.
I mock glared at him. " Gee thanks, Dad. I've been working on some choreography for the tour we're planning. You of all people should know how that is. "
He gave me a fake smile. " That I do. "
It was hard for my dad to see me go into the same industry that gave him so much heartache, but to me, this is our family legacy. God gave me the gift of music just like he gave my dad. I was determined, however, to not lose myself in the fame and dirty politics.
" So I've been seeing you and him plastered all over the media lately. Something about him going with you on this tour? " He said stiffly.
I sighed. Here we go. " His name is Prince daddy. We've been working with each other for almost ten years off and on and you still can't say his name. "
Talking about him with my dad was always a little awkward. The two of them have been rivals since as far back as I can remember. It was stupid really. Both of them were ridiculous but I loved them.
We've been working our butts off for 6 months on this album and it's only halfway done. I long for when it's finished so I can finally breathe. Then after that, we're touring. I just want to spend some time with my family beforehand.
This time was even more precious since my siblings would only be this young once. Prince Michael and Paris are the living, breathing embodiments of love. I never thought that I could love tiny humans so much until they came along.
Did it bother me that I was almost twenty-seven and my dad was still having kids? Nope. He deserves all that life has to give and then some. Forget what you've heard. Point. Blank. Period.
" Bibi I need to tell you something. " Dad said bringing me out of my thoughts.
Oh God. Every time he says it in that tone I know it's gonna be a doozy. " What? "
He sighed. " A reporter, Martin Bashir, is coming here to film for a while to set the record straight about my life. "
It took me a minute to process. Of all the crazy thing he's ever done this one takes the cake. " You mean our lives? What makes you think this man won't stab you in the back for a quick payday? "
" Bibi, Lady Diana trusted him to tell her story. " He said as if it were the most logical thing in the world.
I couldn't resist rolling my eyes. " He would have gotten locked up for lying about her in England. It's called treason. Him lying about you, an American, is not. "
Anger flashed in his eyes. Something I rarely saw coming from him. " It's happening Bianca. You don't have to be a part of it. "
" You can't just expect me to be okay with this. When has the media ever been kind to our family? " I asked putting my attitude in check.
He put his arm around my shoulder and kissed the side of my head. " If I had known that the media would have been this rough on you I'd have never let you get in the spotlight. I learned from that when your brother and sister came along. "
" It's not me I'm worried about. " I said sadly. " You're at least gonna keep the kids out of it right? "
He nodded. " They're faces will be either blurred out or cover with masks while on camera. "
Still not liking this idea, I knew I wouldn't have a chance in hell to change his mind. I just sighed and left the room in search of my siblings. Of course, I found them in my favorite part of Neverland. The floating beds on the balcony connected to my suite. They loved to spin around in them.
" Hey! " I yelled scaring them.
Once they saw it was me they giggled.
" Sissy! " Paris squealed and ran to me.
I picked her up and twirled her around. " I missed you so much. " I said blowing raspberries on her cheek.
I frowned. They both look so much bigger than the last time I saw them. I hated spending so much time away and missing everything that goes on in their lives. I'm going to have to work out a schedule that fits my family and my career. I can't keep missing things like holidays and birthdays. They're still young and they're used to me being here all the time.
Coming out of my thoughts I looked at Prince and Paris. " You guys wanna go take a swim? " I asked.
They both jumped up and down in excitement. " Okay go put your suits on. "
They ran to their rooms and I laughed. I sure missed my babies. I went to my bathroom and put a modest bikini on. Just as I was ready to head out my phone started buzzing. The Purple One flashed on the screen.
" Please tell me you just want to shoot the breeze. " I said knowing otherwise.
I heard him chuckle on the other end. " I don't shoot the breeze you should know that mama. "
" Look I just got home and I'm trying to spend some time with my brother and sister. " I said breathlessly.
There was a pause. " I just have all of these great ideas for your album. We really need to get together and work on them. "
" Okay I know that genius mind of yours never quits, but I need some time to spend with my family. I thought the whole point of being a free artist is you could set your own schedule. "
He hummed on the other end. " I suppose... But you of all people should know you have to strike while the iron is hot. Your last album was five years ago and people lose interest after a while you know that. "
I couldn't deny that. " I get it okay. I just have some things going on here that I need to take care of. "
" What's Camille up to this time? " He asked with laughter in his voice.
I rolled my eyes. " I told you about that Camille shit. You know his name so use it. "
" I just get tired of him always needing you to be the responsible one. " He said.
I feel like we've had this argument a million times. " Look, I don't expect you to understand. I just expect you to be respectful. "
There was silence on the other end for a few moments. " Look you take the time you need but not too much mama. Your dads shit shouldn't come before you. You spent your whole life doing right by your family. It's time for you to be greedy and selfish and think about yourself for once. "
" I'll let you know when I'm ready to come back to Chanhassen. " I said to finish the conversation.
" You better. Have fun with your family mama. " He said before we hung up.
Sometimes I felt like I was rubbing my family in his face. Especially since his dad passed away in August. I know he regrets not spending much time with him. Now his mother's health was declining as well. He hid it well but I know it bothers him. I just try my hardest to be there for him.