A Note From LifeIsAParade: Hey guys, this is a brand new chapter for this story. I hope you like it even though it's really just a filler for what you know is to come. Enjoy!

Chapter Seven

June 13th, 2002

I stayed at Neverland for as long as possible... That is until it came time for me to go promote the album. First stop is Capital Xtra for an acoustic performance of Right there. Then I'm off to Wango Tango to perform The Way.

I can't say how much I really didn't want to get on the jet and leave. Martin Bashir has been at Neverland for a month now. A month too long. One thing I really worry about is how things are going to be handled with me not there. My Dad's camera crew is in full effect so I guess there's that. Except I'm not happy that that man is in my home in the first place.

When we get to the studio, Darren, my new permanent ex CIA bodyguard escorted me inside of the studio. When I walk in I see Brandon, one of Prince's guys sitting on a stool with his guitar ready.

Of course, you know who hasn't taken any of my calls. It must be too much to ask for him to be here to perform the song we wrote together either. I don't know why all of a sudden he's starting to act like this. He said he understood that I had to leave. It's honestly a pride thing. He wants me to know that he doesn't need me.

" Hey B. Lets try to get this in one take okay? " I say taking my seat.

He nods. " Sure thing Bibi. "

The director gives us the signal and he starts playing.

We go over it flawlessly. The director and producer both have smiles on their faces. " That's was perfect. No need to do it again. "

Whew! Thank God. " It was great to see you again B. I guess I'll see you around. "

" Yeah, I guess... He misses you, you know? " He replies.

I turn back to look at him. " Well, he sure has a funny way of showing it. "

" He isn't someone to express his loneliness. Everyone at Paisley can see a dramatic difference in him when you're around. " He says sadly.

I so don't want to have this conversation about Prince with his band member. " Well, then I suggest that he either answers the phone or calls me back. "

We all run backstage after performing The Way. This song is what put me on the radio. And KIIS FM was the first station to play it. A very special night indeed. After all of that though, all I want is to get something hot and greasy.

After thanking my dancers for being amazing I did just that. I got my Taco Bell fix and then we head straight to the airport. I'm going to be on Regis and Kelly tomorrow morning so once we take off it's straight to bed.

I don't know why I try though. There are always too many ideas swirling around in my head. And if that's not the case I have a million other things that will easily take its place. It's a blessing and a curse.

For once though, I'm able to get four solid hours of sleep before we land in New York. I go from the airport straight to the studio for hair and make-up. Regis and Kelly both come in and introduce themselves briefly before leaving me to drink my tea and finish getting ready. Before I go on I give you know who another call.

The number you have dialed is no longer in service.

After my segment with the two of them, I head back to my dressing room. Before I go in I smell the suspicious lingering scent of lavender in the air. Going in I find the purple one himself waiting for me.

" What the hell are you doing here? " I ask in irritation.

He frowns at me obviously not happy that I'm not welcoming him with open arms. " Watch your mouth mama. What's wrong? A man can't surprise his woman? "

" Apparently a man can't call his woman back either. " I huff.

He smirks and comes up to me. " Aww does my baby miss me? "

" Where were you the other day? You were supposed to be there to perform Right There with me. " I say making distance between us.

He notices my iciness and sighs. " Bianca I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I'm here now doesn't that mean anything? "

" I'm sorry I'm just tired. I got a little sleep on the plane but not enough. Why is your phone number out of service? " I question.

He rolls his eyes. " You ask too many questions. " He says handing me my street clothes. " But if you must know I switched providers. I even got you your own personal Prince pager. " He says pulling out some ancient-looking purple pager.

" What is this nineteen ninety-two P? How about coming into the millennium and actually get a cell phone? " I ask while getting dressed.

" Now why do I need a cell phone when you have one? I can get ahold of you anytime I need to. And now you can too. " He says smirking like the devil.

Except only on his time. " You're unbelievable. "

" You know you love me. " He says smirking. " Confident for Saturday Night Live? "

This is news to me. " Yeah, I can't wait. "

" Good because I can't make it. " He says as we leave the dressing room.

I stop short and glare at his back. " Excuse me? You're leaving me hanging once again? "

" You'll do fine without me there. Trust me. " He half-ass explains. " Besides I have a very important meeting to attend while you're doing that. "

Walking ahead of him I say nothing else on the matter. If he wants to bail on me every time I need him then I don't really need him, do I?

Saturday Night Live went great as usual. I had a great time with Jimmy Fallon and killed the stage even if I was forced to work with people I don't know. Prince's meeting had better have been about him getting them damn masters back. That's the only feasible excuse as to why he'd miss this. After the show, I think about what I'm doing next. I luckily have the next three days off. Now to plan how to spend it.

My diva side is craving a mini-vacation somewhere tropical... But my moral side knows I need to make an appearance at the local children's hospital. Its been a while since I've done this and it's a shame. Okay, so a three-day tour of children's hospitals it is.

Pulling out my cell I dial my manager. It rings two times before she answers.

Hey, doll how was SNL?

" Hey Kris, it was amazing as always. I need you to do that voodoo you do so well. " I say as I wait for Darren to bring the car around.

What can I do for you oh princess of pop?

I roll my eyes. " I need you to call around to a few children's hospitals in New York. It's been a while and I want to see the children's smiling faces. "

Anything for you doll. I'll call you as soon as I get everything set up.

" Thank's Kris. I'll talk to you later love ya. " I say hanging up.

Darren comes into my dressing room not a minute later. " Ready to go Miss. Jackson? "

" Yes, Darren let's go. " I say letting him guide me out.

Dialing another number I put the cell up to my ear. " Come on come on. "

Hello darling!

" Hey, Liz it's good to hear your voice. How are you? " I ask smiling.

Oh you know I'm here and there living my life. What about you darling? How is that yummy man of yours?

I sigh. " He's fine. Just annoying me endlessly that's all. Listen I called to see if you're free tomorrow night? I'm here in New York and would love to have dinner with the world's best Godmother. "

That's sounds great darling. I'll have reservations made and we can go to see a play! Make it a regular girls night.

This is why I love this woman. " It's a date, Liz. I'll call you tomorrow for the details. "

Okay, darling, I'll talk to you then. I love you.

" I love you more. Bye. " I say hanging up.

It's the last day of my little time off and I'm visiting my last hospital. It's a very special day indeed since so many good things are happening here today.

" Which subject is your favorite in school? " I ask a little girl name Dara who is receiving her last cancer treatment today.

Her eyes light up. " I love art class. I want to be a famous painter! "

" Wow. That's amazing. I bet you're going to achieve your dreams. All it takes is hard work and passion for your craft. " I tell her sweetly.

" Is that what you did? " She asks mesmerized.

I nod. " Of course. I work hard on everything I do. And everything I do I'm proud of because I know I put my everything in it. "

" I'm gonna be just like you when I grow up. " She says dreamily.

Oh, she's melting my heart into a puddle on the floor. " You are too sweet for words. " I say kissing her cheek.

" Miss. Jackson, Bill Clinton is on the line. " Darren says coming into Dara's room and my cell phone in hand.

Bill Clinton is the code word for my dad. " I'm gonna go now, Dara. I have a few more kids to see but I promise if you do what I said you'll make it in whatever you want to do in life. "

" Bye-bye Bibi. " She says sadly hugging me.

This is always the hard part. Saying goodbye to a young fan that loves you. " Bye-bye Dara. " I say hugging back and kissing the tip on her head.

I take the phone from Darren and only put it up to my ear when the door is fully closed. " Hey, Mr. President. I just talked to the sweetest little girl that wants to be just like me when she grows up. "

Well, there are definitely worse aspirations in life. You're a pretty great role model and constituent.

I snort in laughter. " So what's up? How are my babies? "

They're still in school growing their young minds. They also miss you.

" I miss them too. Promotion for the album came way too soon. " I say sadly. " I was thinking, we should all take a family vacation before I go on tour. "

I'd be okay with that. Where to?

We've been literally everywhere, but I'm tired of the Caribbean. " I was thinking about somewhere in Asia? Maybe Thailand? It's really beautiful there and we didn't really get to see much of it last time. "

Oh, that sounds wonderful! The documentary will be out by then and we can really enjoy ourselves.

I cringe. " So how is it going by the way? "

He really seems to understand what I'm doing here.

Mmhmm. " And your crew is still filming everything? "

Yes of course Bianca. I think I can handle myself. I am a big boy after all...

" I know daddy I just worry you know that. " I tell him.

And I love you for it. So anything good going on?

" I had dinner with Liz the other night. She sends her love as always. " I tell him with a smile.

Oh, I miss her so much. Did you guys have fun?

" It's always a fun time with Liz darling. " I say doing my best impression.

I'm glad. Well, princess, I'm going to let you go. I love you.

" Okay, daddy. I love you more. " I say before we hang up.