Michael racked his mind wondering where in the world she could've gone so quickly when it suddenly hit him to check the waiting area. He hurriedly made his way down the hall saying "Excuse me" and apologizing to everyone he accidentally bumped into.
When Michael finally made it to the long black double doors he took a deep breath and walked in hoping he'd find her. To his disappointment, the room was quiet and still with no evidence of anyone still hanging around. He was almost ready to give up and wait for his chance to see her again during auditions until a soft voice suddenly spoke up behind him nearly startling him out of his skin.
"Hi."
He turned around to see Shayla standing there holding a gym bag and purse.
"Are you okay?" She asked. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."
"Yes, i'm fine." He answered. "I was actually looking for you."
"Looking for me?" She was smiling from ear to ear on the inside.
"Shayla right?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"Forgive me if this seems a little odd, and maybe i'm wrong, but it was just driving me crazy...you look so familiar."
"Is that right?" Shayla bit her lip trying to contain her laughter. She was waiting for him to figure it out.
"If you don't mind my asking, are you from LA?"
"No i'm not, i'm actually from Indiana."
Michael lit up hearing she was from his home state, and he knew now without a doubt he had seen her face before.
"And where did you go to school?" He asked.
"Garnett Elementary School in Gary, I seem to remember growing up with a wonderful best friend who had the cutest little afro. Too bad he started going to private schools and left us nice city folks behind."
"Shay-Shay?!" Michael's eyes widened.
"How are you Jellybean?" Their laughter echoed off the walls as he took his old friend in his arms and embraced her with a hug.
"You are the only one that could get away with calling me that." He joked. "How are you? I can't believe this!"
"I live in LA now." She informed him.
"And you're a dancer! An amazing one at that."
"You seem so surprised. Don't sit there and act like you don't remember our playground concerts."
"Those were the good old days, huh?"
"Definitely, Sometimes I really miss it. Oh, and congratulations on all your success. I always knew my Jellybean would make it."
"Thank you." Michael responded as his cheeks turned red. "So how are you adjusting here in LA, it's definitely a far cry from what it's like in Gary."
"You got that right, there's so much life here in LA. I don't think i'll have any trouble at all finding work as a pro-dancer."
"Well, you're definitely getting off to a great start. I would love to have you in my short film, but you know I can't be partial just because you were an amazing best friend."
"Michael Jackson, i'm surprised at you!" She dramatically held her hand to her chest. "I'll let my skills do the talking, thank you very much. Besides, you'll be begging me to be your leading lady once I wipe the floor with the other girls."
"Just as confident and bold as I remember." He smiled as all the adorable memories came rushing back in a flood. "Listen, why don't you stay in touch? You know, exchange numbers...i'd really like to catch up with you sometime when we're not working."
"That would really be great Michael."
"Good, I look forward to talking to you." He pulled out a pen and wrote his number on her hand.
From that moment Shayla felt as if she was gaining her best friend back. They talked on the phone every night, sometimes for hours on end keeping each other awake till the crack of dawn. They told stories, they laughed, and found out so much about each other. She truly realized how much she missed him, and she couldn't be any happier to be picking up where they left off.
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This was the day.
Tatiana was a woman of confidence, a woman of self-assurance, a woman of pride, and some would even go so far as to say a woman of downright arrogance.
This was the day her legacy would be permanently cemented. As she sat on the bench in the waiting area sipping her coffee she could see the future so clear. She knew it was only a matter of time before the great Michael Jackson announced her for the role, skyrocketing her to the most sought after video vixen of all time. In her mind she deserved it all...the touring, the fame, the publicity, and maybe even the man himself.
She, along with the others, had been working with Vince for the past week and even though she felt as if she didn't need to prove herself any further she knew this day would place no doubt in the minds of everyone watching her that she was in a completely separate realm from the other girls.
This day belonged to her. HER time to shine.
"Ready to go ladies?" Bill said as he opened the door. "They're waiting for you."
As the four other women left the room Tatiana examined herself in the mirror making sure what she saw was picture perfect. Every curl had to be in place, her lipstick had to be just right, and her outfit had to look the part. Michael Jackson needed a female lead and he indeed was going to get one, the role was hers for the taking.
"Lets go get this job shall we?" She uttered to her reflection before giving her hair a toss over her slender shoulder and exiting the room.
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Shayla would be a fool to not realize she was suffering from severe lack of sleep but with final cuts today there was no way she was gonna walk on that stage and give anything less than 150%.
If they didn't choose her for the tour and short film today at least she could walk away knowing she tried her best and gave it her all. She was fairly accustomed to being in front of a crowd with people watching her but for some reason standing on stage at the arena her stomach began to turn and just like before her mind began to wander.
"You can do this."
"You have the ability."
"You can do this."
"You have what it takes."
As Vince and Michael entered the building and walked towards the stage she repeated the mantra to herself in hopes to calm her jittery nerves. She told Michael her skill would speak for itself, and she fully intended on letting the music take her away. This was it...no turning back now.
"Today is a big day." Vince spoke. "Somebody's life is about to change. I hope you're all ready."
"I believe in all of you." Michael chimed in as he eyed Shayla, making her blush. "Give me your best and show me why you want this. Good luck."
"Places Ladies!" Vince shouted.
As the girls gathered in formation a deafening silence washed over the room. Shayla inhaled deep, closed her eyes, and recited her mantra to herself one last time.
"Cue music!"
On Vince's command the music rang throughout the arena and the girls strutted their stuff.
5-6-7 and 8. They moved with precision and let their bodies catch the beat, each one showing off their own original styles.
Michael couldn't believe how amazing they all were. He could see each one of them in his short film, but at the end of the day a hard decision had to be made.
"She's the one!" Vince kept nudging Michael. "She's definitely the one!"
Going into this he expected it to be difficult to choose between the five ladies, but seeing all the talent on stage before him...Michael didn't expect it to be this difficult.
Meanwhile, Shayla was dancing her heart away, truly giving 150%. She didn't know when but at some point Tatiana ushered herself to the front of the group. Her style of the routine they rehearsed was a little more provocative than the rest and even though Shayla tried to focus on herself she couldn't help but notice two of the other girls rolling their eyes at the tall ebony skinned woman now front and center.
With one final pose from the entire group the music ended and everyone gave each other a hug. Michael and Vince looked on with pride and clapped as they walked closer to the stage.
"Once again. You guys really don't make this easy at all." Vince laughed. "I can't tell you how proud I am of every single one of you standing here right now. You all should be proud because you really outdid yourselves."
"Bravo Ladies." Michael spoke up. "You really knocked me off my feet."
Everyone laughed recognizing the song lyrics.
"Unfortunately..." Vince continued, his happy expression melting away. "There can only be one. After seeing what all of you bring to the table, we've come to a decision."
Michael swallowed hard as Vince nodded at him to make the announcement.
"The person that will be featured in my upcoming short film is..." He looked at each of them and silently cursed having to make decisions like this.
"Tatiana Thumbtzen"
At the mention of her name the entire atmosphere in the room changed and Shayla could feel it. While Tatiana jumped for joy and celebrated, Shayla approached her to hug and commend her on a job well done. The other ladies, however, offered their congratulations from afar and didn't move to embrace her at all. She didn't know if anyone else could sense it but Shayla felt the tension in the room so thick you could cut it with a knife, and she couldn't understand why.
Vince and Michael now took to the stage praising each lady and thanking them for wanting to be involved and working so hard. As for Shayla, she held no jealousy or animosity in her heart at all. She truly was happy for Tatiana and couldn't wait to see how she played her role in the film. She was content in knowing she did her best and it just wasn't her time.
Michael on the other hand had never been so conflicted. When choosing his video girl he forced himself to think with his mind and not with his heart. His heart wanted Shayla by his side but his mind told him to listen to reason. Tatiana couldn't have been more of a perfect portrayal of his vision. She danced the dance, she looked the part, and it almost seemed like it already belonged to her. It didn't make him feel any better when he came face to face with Shayla. When they shook hands there was no words between them, and he just hoped she wasn't upset and understood his decision.
While he was greeting the other ladies all he wanted was to run after her and talk to her but he didn't want to be rude to everyone else especially Tatiana who deserved his main focus.
"This is such a dream come true." Tatiana said, flashing Michael a smile. "I'm gonna remember this for the rest of my life."
"You're gonna do an amazing job" He told her. "We chose you for a reason, you're definitely gonna nail it. Congratulations."
"Thank you so much." She replied as she went to retrieve her hand towel behind her. "You know Mr. Jackson, I hope i'm not being too forward but I was just thinking maybe we could..."
When Tatiana turned back around she found herself in conversation alone. Now in total disappointment, her eyes wandered the room in search of the man she thought she was talking to. After trying to find him for what seemed like an eternity her disappointment turned to blind anger when she spotted him on the side of the stage having a conversation with Shayla.
"Why the hell is he even talking to her?"
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Shayla was beyond worn out. This week challenged her more than she could have ever imagined, and it was a challenge she was so happy to have experienced. As she drank her water and attempted to cool down she couldn't help but wonder about the future.
What would happen now?
Michael may have been a friend, but he was also a very important and busy man. Now that auditions were over suddenly the thought popped in her mind she would never see him again. With him performing and touring all she had was a phone number to connect with him and it made her realize she may lose her best friend all over again.
"Hi, you okay?" Michael walked over to her.
"Yeah, I was just thinking?" She put her water down as he hopped on the side of the stage and sat with her.
"What's on your mind?" He asked.
"I don't want this to end Michael." Shayla explained. "These past 7 days have been the hardest but the best of my life. I don't want it to be over."
"Look, about Tatiana..."
"This isn't about her." She interjected. "This is about us. I really care about you and I can't tell you how happy I am to see you again. Auditions are over now, so what does this mean for us? I don't wanna lose my best friend again."
He hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head.
"Is that what you're worried about?" He continued. "Shayla we're adults now not back in elementary school, and we'll have much better means to communicate. Trust me when I say I feel the same way you do. Have you any idea how amazing it's been getting to talk to you and see you? If I have anything to say about it I will never lose you again."
"You promise?" She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He hated seeing the look of heartbreak on her face.
"Of course, I promise." He told her. "In fact, I was just about to have lunch on the roof would you like to join me?"
"I'm sorry..." Shayla giggled. "Did you just say the roof? You have access to the roof?"
"You hang with me long enough you'll be surprised the crazy adventures that await you." He took her by the hand and helped her off the stage. "Or have you forgotten?"
Like the ten year old's they once were, they ran off skipping to the exit laughing the entire way. Shayla didn't exactly know how they would make their way to the roof and she didn't care, she just enjoyed Michael's company and followed his lead. They came to a flight of stairs down the hall that at first looked like a dead end until Michael took a key from his pocket and opened an attic-like door that lead to the roof.
He moved to the side letting her through first, and she gasped at the sight before her. It was as if you could see LA in its entirety. She could not believe she was on top of such a gigantic building.
"My God, Michael this is gorgeous." She said, taking in the view. "Do you come up here often?"
"When I want peace and quiet." He answered. "I can just relax and clear my mind of everything up here."
"This is so insane, I can even see the Hollywood sign."
"I'm glad you like it." Michael laughed at her reaction. "And I hope you like Sushi. Bill is bringing some up."
"I actually have never tried Sushi before."
He turned around and eyed her as if she had just shot him in the back.
"Wait a minute...you mean to tell me you've never..." He said dramatically, looking appalled. "Oh, that settles it...you are definitely having some immediately. Sushi is only the most delicious thing ever."
"Okay i'll try it. Only if you promise me one thing." She walked towards him and looked him in the eyes.
"And what's that?"
"Promise me we'll come back here again. It doesn't have to be today, tomorrow, or even a year or two from now. Just promise me that you and I will come back up here one day."
"It's a deal." Michael continued. "Now you make ME a promise. Promise me you'll come to the set with me."
"On set of the short film?" Shayla asked. "Are you sure you want me there? I don't want to be a distraction."
"You are the furthest thing from a distraction." He reassured her. "I would love to have you there."
"Fine Jellybean, It's a deal."
He took her hand in his and just like the wind changed directions and blew through their hair something in them changed as well. In the week they spent together reminiscing about the past both of them could feel how much they cared about each other, but neither of them realized how deep. As she gazed upon various buildings Michael had eyes only for her and it was then that he knew he never wanted to be without her again.
Shayla couldn't describe the feeling Michael empowered her with. With him it was almost as if she was a child again and never in her life had she felt such a feeling with anyone. She could be her authentic self around him, and she was honored that she was one of the few that got to know the man behind the fame. Being there with him in that moment reassured her that she wanted to always be like this with him. She may have lost touch with her best friend at a young age but in return she gained a man she loved with all her heart.
Unbeknownst to them as they enjoyed their late lunch and basked in the midst of an incredible Californian sun kissed sky...a quiet storm was brewing in the building below.
Tatiana was in no mood for fake smiles or small talk with anyone whatsoever as she quickly grabbed her bags from the waiting area.
"Who the fuck does Shayla Iman think she is?" She thought.
In her mind she certainly was not a better woman in terms of looks or talent...so why was Michael all over her? Tatiana was his newly hired video vixen and if anyone deserved his sweet smile and attention it should be her. There was nothing great or fascinating about Shayla in any kind of way, and she most definitely didn't have anything Tatiana didn't possess in far greater proportions. At that moment she loathed Shayla and there was no way in hell she was gonna play second to fiddle anyone, especially her.
"She made a complete ass out of herself today if you ask me."
Hearing someone coming down the hall Tatiana got curious and dropped her bags. She cracked the waiting room door open just enough for her to eavesdrop and listened to the conversation from two ladies whose voices she immediately recognized. It was Catherine Grant and Nikita Demarco from the auditions.
"I honestly wanted to vomit when she snaked her way to the front." Nikita replied. "It's always all about Little Miss Tatiana."
"She absolutely does not deserve this and I wish someone would humble that broad." Catherine went on. "Her head is so far up her own ass the bitch can't even see how conceited and full of shit she is."
"Totally, and any one of us could have easily taken that role. I mean Shayla really busted her ass out there, I thought he was gonna choose her. And you didn't hear this from me, but I was told they're actually having lunch on the roof."
"That is so adorable, I think he really likes her. If anybody he should have chosen Shayla. Hell, Michael could've chosen his pet chimp and I promise you the damn chimp would be far more deserving than that bitch Tatiana. Fuck her...she thinks she's such hot shit."
As the ladies laughed and headed out of the exit Tatiana had heard enough.
She was gonna show them...she was gonna show every last one of those bitches. She was not to be fucked with.
At the end of the day it was her Michael handpicked to be his leading lady and those other rejects could sit and cry about it all they liked. Soon enough she was gonna be performing on stage with him and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
Tatiana didn't give a damn about Shayla and her little rooftop picnic because it wouldn't be long before she'd have all of Michael's attention, and she would be his main focus.
If that bitch Shayla knew what was good for her she better stay the hell out of her way and out of her spotlight.
