Chapter IV: If Your Girl Only Knew
synopsis: you are dating jackie jackson but as time passes you feel tempted by his brother michael. especially now that you are joining them on the victory tour as their stylist. this is a fic set in the 80s for the messy bitches who live for drama! it has multiple chapters but each chapter can be read on its own tbh
authors note: heyy chapter four is finally here. im on vacation so im a bit late sorry! i really hope yall enjoy its about to get messyyy. again, im not a native english speaker so dont come for me please. also this is an unapologetically black fanfic. if youre not black you are free to read this but just keep it in mind. feel free to comment or send me a message mwah💋
TW: infidelity, strong language, drama
July 21st, Florida — 1984
It was late July, two weeks into the Victory tour.
Tickets were selling out fast. So was the merchandise.
And for you, the Victory tour money was rolling in just as quickly. Your work as a stylist on tour had been rewarding.
Because of the Victory tour dollars, you opted for a new look.
Now, jet black curly extensions touched down your back, nearly reaching your waist. In the past, you could afford high-end clothing if you saved for it, but these days you were dressed in designer from head to toe, even for casual outings.
Wherever you went, people turned their heads. You looked like money. You smelled like money.
You were getting ready in your hotel suite while Jackie snored without a care in the world.
Turning your head toward the alarm clock, you checked the time.
“Jackie,” you said, poking him, hoping he’d wake up.
He murmured and rolled over.
“Eight. The meeting is in about an hour. Please get up.”
He sat up and placed a kiss on your lips.
You refused it. “Come on, you know this is important to Michael. I’m gonna have breakfast with LaToya. I’ll be waiting for you.”
In an hour, you had a meeting with Joseph and management at Michael's request.
Shortly after that, the boys had a press conference with CNN about the tour. Yet there he was, sleeping without a care in the world.
Part of that was your fault.
Jackie knew you would stick beside him. You handled his scheduling conflicts with tour executives and cleaned up his mess before it could negatively affect him.
While your mind was still on your sleeping fiancé, you were greeted by LaToya, sitting alone at a table in the hotel restaurant.
“Hey, girl,” she said when she spotted you.
“Hey. It’s gonna be such a long day.”
“Ugh, girl, tell me about it. Press conferences are the worst, especially when they gotta perform that same night.”
Being on the road made you lose track of time.
“Are you ready for the day?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m ready. Don’t know about Jackie, though.”
“Girl, he’s been partying so much lately. I mean, I love me a good party too, but we on tour. He should at least take some responsibility.”
“Well, my brothers have always been party animals on tour. It’s nothing new. Parties and women are their favorite ways to pass the time when they’re on the road.”
“That’s okay, but we got something serious going on now. I’m not weird for thinking he should settle down a little, right?” you asked, glancing down at your ring.
LaToya heard you loud and clear, but she didn’t say much after that.
It was very on brand for a Jackson, actually.
They had this unspoken loyalty rule when it came to each other.
If someone outside the family criticized one of their siblings, they’d never fully agree, at least not publicly, even when they knew you had a point.
“I’m curious about this emergency meeting Michael scheduled, though,” you said.
“Oh, don’t worry. I know everything. I know what he’s gonna say.”
“Michael wants to leave the tour.”
LaToya nodded. “Crazy, right? Janet called from home yesterday. She said they’ve been receiving loads of angry letters from fans.”
“Angry letters from fans?”
She looked around to make sure no one was listening before explaining the situation.
“Joseph and the tour promoters set up a money order ticketing system that doesn’t even guarantee a fan a ticket.”
“LaToya, that doesn’t make any sense.”
“I know, but he’s my father, so hush,” she snarked.
“Well, what are they gonna do? Michael can’t just leave. Too many shows are scheduled. I even left my job for this opportunity, girl.”
“It’s up to Michael, I guess. He’s gonna tell us his final stance during the meeting.”
If Michael left, it’d be a blow to everyone, but it wouldn’t be completely out of touch.
Life on tour wasn’t always sweet.
You had underestimated the tension between the brothers.
Petty disagreements would quickly escalate into full blown battles. Some days, a brother would refuse to rehearse because someone had hurt his ego. Other days, they communicated exclusively through managers, assistants, and lawyers.
One day they acted like loving brothers.
The next, they barely spoke a word to each other until it was time to step on stage.
The atmosphere made everyone on the tour uncomfortable. Everyone except Joe.
As long as the checks kept coming in, he turned a blind eye to the growing tension between his sons.
“LaToya, I gotta check up on Jackie. This meeting is serious, so I have to make sure he shows up. I’ll catch you at the meeting.”
She nodded and waved goodbye.
When you got back to your suite, you saw Jackie talking on the phone. You heard him say words you couldn’t comprehend.
The moment he saw you, he ended the call abruptly, placing the phone back on the landline.
“I’m ready to go, baby,” he said.
“Alright. I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”
There were only fifteen minutes left until the meeting, and Jackie hadn’t eaten yet.
He quickly ate breakfast while you told him to meet you in the conference room.
You were nervous as you made your way to the meeting in one of the hotel’s conference rooms. Just like Michael, you were on tour against your will, but never once had quitting abruptly crossed your mind.
When you entered the room, Joseph, Michael, and Bill were already seated, followed by tour executives, lawyers, and assistants going through files. Everyone had a glass of water except Michael. He loved his orange juice.
“Good morning,” you said, your voice echoing through the room.
People looked up but didn’t say anything. That’s when you knew there was a lot of tension. A big decision was about to be made.
“Hey,” Michael said after a while, giving you a nod. His leg was shaking uncontrollably.
Not another word was spoken until you heard some quarreling coming from the hallway.
LaToya and the brothers walked in and took their seats around the table.
Michael’s lawyer, John Branca, started the meeting.
“I’m gonna announce this quickly and clearly. Michael feels that the tour does not correspond with his personal values. Therefore, he wishes to depart from the Victory tour.”
“Michael, why are you doing this to your own family?”
Michael didn’t respond. He looked emotionless, wearing his large black shades in broad daylight.
“Branca,” he signaled, allowing his lawyer to speak for him.
“Michael has been receiving letters from fans stating that they are disappointed in him. They feel as if he has turned his back on them and made his concerts exclusively accessible to the elite.”
Joe sighed after hearing those words.
“Okay, but we have a business to run. If they can’t afford it, then that is not our main concern. Plenty of others will.”
Michael took off his shades and kept his eyes locked on Joe’s.
“I refuse to let my success make me forget where I came from and the people who got us here.. our fans. I’d rather not perform as of tonight than exploit the hands that feed me,” he said firmly.
The tour promoters took notes and whispered their thoughts to one another.
“How about a vote on the ticketing system so we can get this out of the way as soon as possible?” one of the tour promoters suggested.
The record label and tour executives were also tired of the constant battles surrounding the tour. Every issue had to be solved quickly, which you understood.
“Joseph, give us a simple yes or no regarding changing the ticketing system. We’ll go around the conference table after you,” another tour executive said.
“No,” Joe said without hesitation.
“Hell no,” Jackie said, squeezing your hand under the table. “Baby, we need this money,” he whispered in your ear.
We need this money? Oh boy, you thought.
After Jackie, it was your turn vote. You agreed with Michael a hundred percent. Never switch up on your day ones.
“Yes,” you said, looking at Michael. He looked confident, yet his leg was still shaking.
Jackie scoffed at your vote.
You didn’t respond. You were sure Michael was right. The ticketing system was a disgusting cash grab.
“I get your point of view. But people need to get paid here. Not only the band, but our staff too. Our stylists, caterers… You know I love you, Michael, but I’m gonna have to say no,” Jermaine said.
Marlon took a sip of his water and thought about it for a few seconds before saying,
“Well, then I think the answer is clear,” one of the tour promoters said. “I consider this meeting done.”
“I appreciate you all for stopping by. Until next time,” he said with a smile from ear to ear.
You and Jackie stood up, hand in hand, and left the conference room.
“Michael’s pushing it. The Jacksons are still musicians. We make music for a living. Just because he released two big albums doesn’t mean he gets to put an end to everything that doesn’t fit to his liking. He’s ungrateful!”
What Jackie said made you see him differently.
All of a sudden, you saw a side of him you couldn’t relate to.
He called his own brother ungrateful for standing up for what was right.
“Jackie, please. You listen to me carefully. Michael is not ungrateful. He just put himself in their shoes. They’re the ones who got you and your brothers everything. Don’t you forget that,” you said.
“I can’t believe you’re actually siding with him. I understand you two have a close brother sister bond because of our engagement, but that doesn’t mean you have to support him in everything. He can be wrong.”
No, Jackie. You’re the one who’s wrong, you thought.
But you didn’t say that out loud.
He wouldn’t have understood anyway.
The money and fame were getting to him.
An hour later, you and your coworker Whitney dressed the brothers. Today’s outfits were supposed to give business since the topic of the press conference was serious.
“I can’t believe Mike ain’t showing up today. He knows this conference is important for our image,” Tito said while you added finishing touches to his look.
His words took you aback. Michael not showing up to a televised press conference that could set the record straight was unusual.
“Wait, he’s not coming? When did you last see him?”
“At the meeting. He skipped hair and makeup.”
Before you could add your two cents, the door opened.
He was fully dressed. Just not in the outfit you had assigned him and his brothers.
Instead, he wore a white, sparkly military jacket with tailored black pants and his glove on his left hand.
Not exactly the right outfit for a CNN press conference that thousands of Americans will be watching, you thought.
Shortly after, Joe stormed in, desperately searching for his son.
“Michael, we can talk about this!”
“I ain’t gotta talk to you. My point is clear,” Michael argued.
You put the pieces together and figured that Michael had forced Joe and the tour promoters to end the ticketing system that overcharged fans through his lawyer, Branca, with a legal document.
His brothers weren’t happy either because they needed the money.
But Michael had made himself clear.
Either the system changed, or he wasn’t performing.
Looking at him standing there in resistance, you realized something.
Michael and you were very alike. Sure, your mouth was sharper. But it came down to the same thing.
You both refused to take part in things you didn’t believe in.
You weren’t allowed to admit it because of your job, but you loved that Michael ignored your styling instructions today.
By wearing something different from his brothers, he was making a statement.
A statement through fashion.
He then sat down to get his hair done.
Everybody went back to normal, and you continued focusing on dressing the boys.
“Jacksons, CNN and BET press conference in ten minutes. Please finish up and meet them in the room,” a tour manager announced.
The boys put on their black aviators and walked out of the room.
You didn’t get a chance to speak to Michael because of his chivalrous act.
Instead, you watched from the sidelines as dozens of microphones were shoved in their faces.
“Please, over here, Michael!”
“What about your fans, Michael? Do they not matter to you anymore?”
The reporters bombarded them with ridiculous questions.
Michael leaned toward the microphone on the stand in front of him.
“I would like to take this moment to adress the ongoing situation,” he said.
“We can’t hear ya!” a reporter interrupted from the back of the room.
Michael stepped over to another microphone, causing even more photographs to be taken with every move he made.
The flashes were blinding.
“Can you hear me now?” he asked.
Before he spoke, he turned his head to glance at you.
Your stomach felt a little funny when he did that. Like a firework going off inside your body.
You smiled and whispered, “It’s okay.”
Hearing that, he relaxed, and his eyes went straight back to the cameras.
“The other day I got a letter from a fan in Texas named Ladonna Jones. She’d been saving her money from odd jobs to buy a ticket, but with the current tour system, she’d have to buy four tickets and she couldn’t afford that.”
“Did you get to talk to Ladonna in person, Michael?” another reporter shouted.
He ignored the reporter and proceeded with his speech.
“I’ve asked our promoter to work out a new way of distributing tickets…”
He turned his back to the reporters so he could catch another glimpse of you.
Knowing what he wanted, you reassured him again.
“…and finally, there is something else I would like to announce today. I decided to donate all the money I make from our performances to charity.”
Randy looked at you and Jackie to see if you were just as stunned by his decision.
After finishing his speech, Michael walked off the stage, followed by his security guard, Bill.
“Which charity?” a reporter asked.
The question almost made him walk back onstage.
One of the tour executives, Frank, answered instead.
“The charity hasn’t been decided yet.”
Michael nodded in approval.
Then he raised his sparkly gloved hand and waved goodbye.
The sound of clicking cameras only grew louder while his hand was in the air.
The brothers walked off the stage one by one.
You and Jackie were the last to leave, hand in hand as usual.
As you all walked out, flashes hit your back.
Finally, I was back home enjoying a rest period.
Mother, Janet and I were watching Charlie Chaplin films with my monkey, Bubbles.
Bubbles was reenacting the characters’ movements.
“He’s so silly,” my mother laughed.
For once in a while, I was at peace.
Tour was unbearable some days. The greed of my family weighed heavily on me and my fans. Once I stepped on stage, though, all the frustration faded away.
Aside from performing, something else gave me relief on tour.
I was so fond of her that I had to get away.
But who can blame me when she kept looking better day by day? I knew I had to move on.
As of now, I wasn’t actively looking for girls. If a nice one came my way, I’d happily give it a shot.
My crush may have faded, but my brother cheating on her kept me up at night.
Not because of my admiration for her, but because she was a friend to me as well as LaToya. She and LaToya were inseparable.
Talking with them, laughing with them, knowing what Jackie was doing behind closed doors…
It was too much of a burden for me to carry on my own.
While I watched the film, some of my brothers walked in.
Jackie, Randy, and Marlon stood around the television, watching.
“We were just about to shoot some hoops,” Randy said.
“Yup. If you get bored of the movie, you can hang with us, Mike,” Marlon said.
“Oh, that’s nice. You should join them. Sounds fun,” mother said.
“Sure,” I said. “Take good care of Bubbles, Mother.”
I petted my little friend to reassure him that everything was okay.
Then I walked toward the basketball court with my brothers.
I could use some good fun with them after our tense discussions on tour.
“Feels good to be back home,” Marlon said.
“Yeah. Finally in a family setting after being surrounded by stylists, tour executives, lawyers, and managers of all sorts,” I said.
“Hey, not too much on my baby stylist,” Jackie said.
Looking at Randy’s face, you could tell he found it cheesy that Jackie called his girl baby stylist.
“Nothing against her,” I said.
“Of course not. That girl’s a real stunner. I’d be damned if I lost her. She fine, got a mind of her own, and she’s full of ambition,” Jackie said.
“Really? Well, what about that other girl you got?” Randy asked, staring at him.
Marlon and Randy burst into laughter.
“That’s wild, brother,” Marlon said between laughs.
“I’m actually thinking about starting a family with her after the tour,” Jackie said.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Hmm… maybe move far away from Encino. Three kids… I can see it so clearly.”
I wasn’t sure if he was still seeing Denise or if he was busy with new women.
It didn’t matter either way.
Jackie was planning to build a family on top of a relationship that was already broken.
Still, I didn’t say a word.
“Hi, boys,” LaToya said as she walked through the gate.
As she got closer, I noticed her hands were full of shopping bags.
The moment I saw them, I already knew where she’d been.
“What’s up, Toya?” we all said.
“Not much. Saw my girl, and now I’m here.”
“Is she still going to that house party with her roommates, or did she change her mind and decide to kick it with me tonight?” Jackie asked.
LaToya gave him a condescending look.
“Not everything is about you, Jackie. Besides, she hasn’t seen Jody and Rochelle in weeks. It’s understandable.”
He sucked his teeth and looked at her sideways.
Then he walked off the basketball court and headed back inside.
“Aw, man,” Randy said. “You really gon’ let LaToya get to you like that?”
It was clear there wasn’t going to be a basketball game.
Randy looked at me, hoping I could make Jackie change his mind.
I knew I couldn’t, so I shrugged my shoulders.
He walked off, and Marlon followed shortly after.
It was just me and LaToya now.
“Am I the party pooper here?” she asked.
“Far from it. Jackie’s just easily irritated when it comes to his girlfriend.”
Looking at my sister’s face, I could tell she genuinely felt like she’d done something wrong.
“It’s nothing, Toya. Please don’t cry. You know how Jackie is sometimes.”
She nodded, trying to hold back her tears.
It bothered me because I adored my sisters.
Rebbie, Janet, LaToya… all of them.
I couldn’t stand seeing them hurt, especially by my brothers.
They could be too harsh on the girls.
“Come here,” I said, opening my arms for a hug.
She didn’t hesitate and rushed into them.
I could hear her sobbing into my sweater.
While my sister cried her heart out, my mind drifted back to Jackie’s cheating.
“I’m sorry for being so emotional, Michael. Add the tension on tour, and everything hits harder. It’s like our family isn’t as tight as it used to be,” she said, wiping away her tears.
“Too many things going on at once.”
“I thought the ticketing issue was resolved. Why do you still feel so bad about it?”
“It’s not only the ticketing,” I said, followed by a deep sigh.
I was this close to getting everything off my chest. Visions of Jackie and his girl breaking up because of me swarmed my mind, but they weren’t convincing enough.
“Toya, I’m gonna tell you something, but you gotta promise to keep it to yourself,” I said, staring off into space.
LaToya is a gossip, but when it comes to family business, she doesn’t play.
And so I revealed it all.
I don’t even know how I said it. My mind went blank, but my mouth kept spilling Jackie’s dirtiest secrets.
Once I was done speaking, I took a deep breath and looked at my sister.
Her mouth was so wide open it could’ve almost touched the ground.
“She’s one of my best friends, Michael. How could he do this? How are we gonna make sure she doesn’t get hurt?”
“It ain’t our place to interfere, Toya,” I said. “I just needed someone to talk to about this. Someone who cares about both Jackie and his girl.”
“Understood,” she said. “Poor girl. She gave up so much to be with him.”
“Mhm. That’s what I’m thinking. It even keeps me up at night.”
“Well, I’m glad you told me. We can talk about this. Just us two.”
I nodded, then gave her another hug.
“Maybe this will cheer you up. Jody and Rochelle told me to tell you that you could stop by their place tonight. They’re having a chill house party with their friends.”
I wasn’t so sure about going.
If it was just Jackie’s girl and her roommates, I would’ve gone instantly.
Their friends being there held me back because of my status.
I’m on my rest period, so I just want to lay back and be myself.
“Come on, don’t hesitate. Just go. It’ll do you good.”
“Why aren’t you joining?”
“I just saw them. Why would I go right back?”
“Sure, Toya. I’ll go. Thanks for letting me know.”
July 22nd, Burbank - 1984
It was eight in the evening. You sat cross-legged on a fur carpet with your roommates and their friends.
They were having a cozy close friends gathering yet you didn’t know anyone. Slices of pizza were being eaten and Earth Wind and Fire’s records played back to back.
“So, tell us about that gorgeous ring?” a guy asked, looking at you.
“That ring means that she’s taken, Riley. Our roommate is engaged,” Rochelle answered for you.
“Engaged?” you heard their friends say around the room.
“Yes. And not just to anybody, she’s engaged to a Jackson!” Jody said, poking you.
Tonight was going to be laidback because Michael wasn’t showing up. Your roommates ended that quickly.
“Wait, like Blame it on the boogie Jackson?” a girl asked.
“Oh my god, I love them.”
Amara was a gorgeous girl from Nigeria. She had brown, long braids with golden beads at the ends. Her cropped tank top showed off her toned stomach. And whenever she spoke you heard a foreign accent.
“Who doesn’t?” another guy said. “Triumph is one of their best albums. And that little Michael boy they got, he’s onto something.”
“Can I guess which one you’re dating?” Amara asked you.
This is ridiculous, you thought.
“Sure,” came out of your mouth. You were less sharp. Tonight was all about making new friends.
You laughed. He was just a baby brother to you.
“Marlon?” you repeated, laughing.
“Yeah,” Amara shrugged. “He’s the second youngest. I don’t know, it just made sense.”
That girl doesn’t know what she’s talking about, you thought.
“It’s actually the complete opposite, Amara.”
“You’re dating Jackie?” she said as her eyes widened.
“Mhm,” you said, looking down.
Her reaction made you a bit self conscious. Jackie is older which some may perceive as strange.
“It’s no surprise a Jackson would fall for you,” Amara said.
“Really?” you said diverting your gaze back up.
“Yeah, you dress so nicely,” she said to you, admiring your outfit.
Tonight you wore a red bodycon dress that fell just above your knees. Paired with black Louboutins.
“That’s so sweet of you. Thanks.”
Amara gave you a smile. “You’re welcome.”
As you took a sip of white wine, you heard the intercom buzzing.
“I’ll get it,” you said, getting up.
Your roommates and their friends were chatting, smoking and drinking in the background as you held the phone close to your ear.
You were happy, still you played it cool.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Hey, that’s mean. Your friends invited me.”
He sounded a little hurt by your teasing.
“Sure, I’ll let you in,” you said, pressing down the button to open the door to the building.
“Jody, Rochelle, Michael’s on his way up here,” you said to them walking back to the circle.
“Guys, no need to freak out. Michael’s totally chill. Just don’t scream or take photographs then you’ll be good,” Jody said while looking at her friends to ensure they understood.
Before you could get up, Amara did.
“On my way!” she shouted, walking over to the door.
You looked over your shoulder. Michael and Bill stood next to each other in front of the entrance. You smiled at Bill.
“Hey, come on in. I’m Amara,” she said to Michael, reaching out her hand.
As they shook hands, his eyes briefly dropped to the crop top that revealed her toned stomach before meeting hers again.
“I’m Michael,” he said still shaking his hand.
They both joined the circle. You scooted over so he could sit next to you.
“Hey. Good to see you. Did you have a nice day?" he asked.
“Yeah, I went out with LaToya."
You and Michael got carried away, lost in your own little world while everyone else kept the party going. You talked about music, movies. Pure escapism, as Michael likes to call it. He taught you that.
But then all of a sudden, someone burst the bubble.
"Michael, y/n, we're gonna play truth or dare," Riley said.
You really weren't in the mood for it. The peer pressure was high and by looking at Michael you could tell he wasn't too excited either.
Riley's eyes then shifted to Michael, waiting for his approval.
He gave him the green light by giving a shy nod.
"I'll go first," Jody said.
"I dare you to call your ex boyfriend and tell him you love him."
Jody laughed out loud. "I ain't doing that!"
"Come on, don't chicken out on me now."
Riley tried to convince her that it was all for the love of the game. He miserably failed.
"Okay since Jody is such a chicken, let's do Michael," Riley said.
Riley hesitated on what he was going to ask.
"Aha! I got a perfect question for you, Michael. Who's the prettiest lady in the room?"
You gave Michael a look, waiting for his answer.
To your surprise, he didn't say anything. His head went toward Amara. "She's pretty cute," he said, smiling.
His answer caught you off guard. You didn't feel chosen by a man that wasn't supposed to choose you to begin with.
@fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression
