Flaws And All | A MJ FANFIC

Hayvenhurst Compound
Encino, California
Novemeber 7,1988
Amahle Perspective

"So, you think Mo is to blame," I said, rubbing my temples. Michael was livid that I had waited to tell him about Darren popping up while I was in New Orleans.

"How would he have known you were in New Orleans then?" His voice rang out over the phone.

I waited until we left New Orleans to tell him. "Mike, we've been to New Orleans on several occasions since we got married," I said, rolling my eyes annoyingly as I flipped through the catalog of records that Janet gave me.

"I know that," he huffed. I couldn't help but giggle since he was acting like a child. "Exactly. So again, you think Mo is setting me up?" I asked sternly.

"I don't know, Amahle. Shit, I'm just really aggrava... I gotta go finish this set. We'll talk about it later." And then he ended the call.

Did this negro really just hang up on me? Just as I was about to redial the number, Janet walked in.

"Any of them sound good?" she asked, pointing towards the records. Janet was working on her new album and wanted me to help engineer it. It came as a shock to me at first, but she told me she had full faith in me since I had been working so closely with Kev and had picked up Michael's ear for music.

"I haven't had a chance to listen, since your brother decided he wanted to call and fuss me out," I said. She sat down, chuckling. "Well, what do you expect?" her smile sympathetic.

"I expect him to act like an adult," I replied, sighing. "Him, act like an adult while you were the one who didn't tell him about it...'' she chuckled  "...and you waited until after the fact to tell him Amahle, you know how he gets."

I shook my head, feeling the weight of the conversation still lingering. "I didn't want to stress him out while he was working," I said defensively. "Besides, I didn't think it was a big deal. Darren didn't do anything."

Janet raised an eyebrow. "Darren didn't do anything this time. But you know how he used to be, and you know Michael has a right to be protective." I rolled eyes "Yea, you gotta point but he don't have to fuss at me" she laughed "He done spoiled you too much," I laughed along side her.

"He does spoil me," I admitted, still smiling. "But that doesn't mean he can just hang up on me like that."

Janet shook her head, her expression softening. "You know he didn't mean to upset you. He's probably just stressed out with everything going on."

"I know," I sighed, the frustration ebbing away. Janet smiled. "Good. Now, let's focus on these records. We've got work to do."

I nodded, feeling a sense of purpose return. Janet and I spent the next few hours diving into the music, listening to each track carefully, and discussing ideas for her new album. The creative process was invigorating, and I found myself lost in the melodies and rhythms.

As we worked, my thoughts occasionally drifted back to Michael. I knew we'd have to have a serious conversation later, but for now, I was content to immerse myself in the music. Janet's faith in my abilities was a huge boost, and I wanted to prove her right.

By the time we wrapped up for the day, I felt a renewed sense of confidence. Janet hugged me goodbye, "Same time tomorrow Okay?" I nodded as I unlocked my car door and slid into the driver's seat. "Definitely. Thanks again, Janet."

As I drove home, my mind wandered back to the conversation with Michael. I knew he was wrong about Mo, she's been my bestfriend since high school, and she's been burned by Darren herself, she wouldn't be working with him in no way.