Art and Soul

Chapter 2

"Where did you come form Baby....."

Alem's P.O.V.

"Ahhhhhh ….F*ck!!!" Alem's eyes flutter open slowly.

There was a dull thumping of a migraine starting to envelope her head. Closing her eyes and reopening only one, she glanced at the nightstand where the wine bottle and glass from the night before sat taunting her wickedly.

"Oh sweet, sweet honey wine I curse you to the depths of hell." A small smile played on her lips and she chuckled at her macabre humor.

She slowly rolled out of bed clutching feverishly at her throbbing temples and shuffled to the bathroom, her eyes closed feeling her way to the sink. She opened her eyes slowly to survey the face staring back at her in the mirror. Her long, thick, curly hair appeared as if she had just stuck her finger in an electrical socket. It stuck out haphazardly about her small head. Leaning closer to the mirror she stared at her face intently studying it. She never thought she was beautiful, cute non the less but beautiful naaawww! She had been told all her life how pretty she was but she never let it get to her head. She regarded what she referred to as her genetic anomaly, her eyes, she had hazel eyes one brown one green. It was not as prominent as it was when she was a kid. Then it had been the bane of her existence. It had toned down a lot and she had learned to love them. It was what made her different. She reveled in being different. She added things to her features to make her different. She had her nose pierced with a hoop when she turned 17 and a multitude of tattoos followed later on. Her body was a work of art and she and she regarded it as such.

Alem brushed her teeth and hopped into the shower. A nice long shower would help alleviate the thumping marching band stomping clumsily around in her head. After her shower her hair was defiantly much tamer and as soon as it dried it would be a mass of shiny jet black curls. She was told once she had Diana Ross hair and she could not help being offend. She had nothing personal against the woman but her hair was the real thing baby. She could not help but think the singers boney ass looked like she would topple over any minute under the large wig or weave of what ever it was she had going on up there. She really didn't give a rats ass what it was really. Hers, it was the real mccoy and she had always loved it. It was 9am and she wanted to head out early to the recording studio, she had other projects she was working on and she wanted to get it all done asap.

It was going to be as hot as the Devil's crotch that day so she wanted to be as comfy as possible. She slipped on a pair of cut off 501 Levis' , her sleeveless Run DMC t-shirt and a pair of red chucks, donning a red baseball cap to top it all off. She grabbed her RayBans and a cup of coffee to go. She would grab breakfast while she was out before she jumped on the L train into the city. A fruit salad would fit the bill. She had adopted a strict vegetarian diet at 17 so she had to be creative with her food choices but its been working out well for her so far. Her journey in to the city usually lasted 45 minutes but she would occupy her time with her book of the moment. "Kindred" was written by one the most prolific black sci-fi authors of our time, Octavia Butler. The book pulled her in quite easily and her train ride went by virtually unnoticed.

Alem walked into the inconspicuous front doors of Electric Lady Studios greeting the receptionist warmly.

"Hey girl." Sandy called from her perch behind the massive oak front desk.

"Good morning miss Sandy how you doin." Alem had made quick friends with the small staff of the studio. She had also became acquainted with a few of the artists recording there. One such being LL Cool J.. He was cute and funny and overtly flirtatious but he was cool and he would eat lunch with her and Sandy when he was free.

"Hey…pssst." Sandy beaconed her closely to share a secret.

"I think we have someone big coming in today. " She whispered.

"Who?"

"I don't know yet but I will let you know when I find out." She added with a saucy wink.

Alem was never really the star struck kind of girl. Her parents had paled around with the rich and famous all her life so she learned at a early age that they were just like you and me. Flesh and blood. Excusing herself quietly she went right to work.

She had her walkman qued up and ready to go with her work mix. Alem appreciated all kinds of music from Bach to Queen and everything in between she wasn't genre exclusive. Good music was good music and it served to soothe her soul. As soon as he held the paint bush in her hand and pressed play on her walkman she was lost to the world and Jimi Hendricks came to life on the wall.

Michael's P.O.V.

2 hours was all Michael was able to close his eyes for. He glanced hazily at the blaring red numbers of his alarm clock that read 5:15. He turned his gaze to the ceiling and stared blankly. He had a meeting at 8 am at the record company. He hated these meeting with the execs. They were always trying to encroach on his creative process with strict deadlines and ridiculous marketing ideas. He was no fool when it came to the business side of his art. He had been in the music business long enough to pick up some shrewd tactics of his own so he could hang with the best of them. He was in creation mode however and he did not feel like talking numbers but you gotta do what you gotta do blah blah blah and all that jazz. On a brighter note he had a meeting with the head of the Electric Lady Studios at 1pm. It would not be his first time there but it would be his first extended recording time and ground rules had to be set. He was looking forward to getting into the studio, the music has been is saving grace after all.

Michael sighed heavily and rolled out of bed. He had time to kill before his first meeting but he decided to get up anyway. He took long strides over to his bathroom, his long legs getting him there with ease. Looking at the man in the mirror, he examined his face. His condition was getting worse but he was starting to get use to the cover up routine of hiding the ever lightening blotches that peppered his handsome features. Surely he missed the smooth chocolate complexion he was born with but there was nothing he could do but roll with with the punches, he had no choice. He thought back to when he was first diagnosed with Vitiligo and lupus, he had cried for days on end. It took the grace of God and his mother to pry him out of his room. He often thought why him but Joseph informed him that it had come from his side of the family. Figures. He looked down at his long slender fingers balling them up and releasing them. It was on these very appendages that he had first noticed the beginning of his worst nightmare. He blew out a slow shaky breath and took a final look at this face.

He undressed slowly and stepped in to the large shower enclosure and turned the water on adjusting it to his liking. He let the luke warm liquid caress his lithe frame for a while before shampooing his now shoulder length ebony curls and washing his body. His skin color was different but his body even though it filled out a bit since Thriller was pure muscle, dancing had made sure of that. He finished up and stepped out the shower wrapping his body with a towel and drying his hair with another. He walked in his closet and chose his staples. A plaid red button-down shirt, white undershirt and a pair of well fitting black jeans. He got dressed quickly slipping on his customary white socks and loafers before applying a liberal amount of what he playfully referred to as his "smells". After finishing his morning routine he headed out his bedroom door.

He bounded down the stairs of his two story condo and headed for the kitchen. He reached into the fridge pouring himself a glass of orange juice. He would have one of this guys pick up some breakfast on the way to his meeting. He strolled over to his large windows and looked longingly at the small ant like fugues down below going about their daily lives. Some heading to work. Some just getting home from work, jogging walking dogs etc. He ached to be one of them out and about doing wonderfully mundane things. He took a sip of his orange juice and looked gratefully at the cold beverage in his hand.

"Ahhh orange juice, it does the body good or is that milk?" He shook his head and chuckled lightly at his own off beat quandary.

" I really need to get a life talking to myself like this." He laughed again at his own silliness.

He picked up the phone to summon his troops.

"Hey Bill it's Mike get the car ready, I 'll See you guys in a minute." He grabbed his trusty black fedora slipping it on and cocking it to the side like he always does.

He had momentarily put aside his aviator glasses and was now opting for a pair of custom made Ray Ban Wayfayers. He took in his reflection in the hall way mirror.

"Here's looking at you kid." He joked as he went to join his bodyguards. Sure enough all three of them stood just outside his door.

"Morning fellas ." Mike greeted his trusty shadows.

"Morning MJ." They replied in unison as they strolled to the elevators.

"The Car is in the lower level garage Mike." Bill mention matter-of-factly.

"Thats cool." Mike answered rocking back an forth on his heels.

He had had that habit for as long as he could remember. It was a true testament to his inability to stand still for too long. They got to the lower level and Michael hopped into his waiting car along with Bill. Miko and Big Bob his other two guards would follow in a second car.

The morning meeting was just as he suspected… BOORRIINNGG. They had yammered on and on about the album deadline and the tour that was to follow.

"Gaawwwdd touring!!!!! "Love the fans, hate touring. Love the fans hate touring." The chant festered in his mind like it was a mantra.

It was 11:30 before the incessant droning finally came to an end. At least now he could get to his Studio meeting earlier than expected. The sooner it was over the sooner he would be at home in the recording booth. He had the same group of producers as he had with 'Off The Wall' and 'Thriller'. Quincy Jones and Bruce Sweiden. They would be there waiting for him when he got there. Frank made sure to call a head to let them know we would be early and we where on our way. Frank, Bill and Michael rode in surprising silence through New Yorks ever present traffic. Usually Frank would be going on and on about nothing in particular but the silence was a welcomed blessing to Michael. It gave him time to delve into his thoughts uninterrupted.

Arriving at the studio took an unprecedented 20 minutes. They walked into the small front reception area of the recording studio with Frank heading up the pack. Approaching the desk where a bubbly brunette sat swiveling side to side in her desk chair.

"We have a Meeting with Mr Stork, he's expecting us. Frank Dileo for Michael Jackson. " Frank announced.

"Good morning gentlemen."

The young woman greeted them warmly and picked up the phone to announce their arrival. She hung up the phone with a wide grin spreading her bright red lips looking dreamily passed the guards her gaze landing on Michael.

"You can go on back Mr Dileo, Mr Jackson, Mr Stork will meet you in the main hallway just through there."

"Thanks hun." Frank chirped as the entourage made its way to the main waiting area.

Michael looked around at the small stylish building. It had changed since he was last there.

"They must have renovated." He thought .

It was delightfully decorated and he noticed the beginning of what appeared to be a very large mural on the front facing wall. It was nowhere near being finished judging from the outline but it was incredible. He kept in mind to as Mr Stork about the artist.

"Hello gentlemen." Mr Stork greeted them all with handshakes.

"Right this way to my office." He motioned with is hand as he lead the way.

They walked a short distance to the back of the buildings just before the actual recording studios. The office was bigger than it seemed on the outside and it boasted one of the only windows that graced the building .

"Thank god for AC." Michael thought to himself.

For god knows the office albeit large, had the potential of being an inferno.

The meeting was short and to the point. They discussed the rules of engagement when it came to Michael and the staff and the confidentiality agreements that they had to sign. Michael also made it clear that he needed 24/7 access to the studio and he also requested a bed be put into the adjoining lounge to what ever studio he would occupy. He would often stay overnight when he recorded. Mr Stork informed them that they would be working exclusively in Studio A which was often reseved for his more high profile clients. It was furthest to the back and most private. With that the meeting ended and Michael, Frank and Bill headed for Studio A. Miko and Big Bob headed out to secure the lunch orders.

"What do you want us to bring back for you MJ." Miko called from over his shoulder.

Michael gave a devilish smirk and bit down on his bottom lip.

"You know what I want fellas." His grin got even wider if that was even possible and he wagged his eyebrows up and down like Goucho Marks.

"KFC." Miko and Big Bob said in unison and laughter erupted from the group of men.

As they approached the front door to Studio A, a young woman stumbles out laughing and bumped right into Frank, sending her toppling to the floor. Michaels quick reflexes propelled him into action and he immediately offered his hands to help her.

"Im sooooo sorry." She was still laughing.

"My bad man. I was not paying attention." Her mass of black curls covered her face after it had sprung free from her baseball cap.

His hands still held out she grabbed them and he pulled her to her feet. He noticed two very large tattoos on he forearms. The work was exquisite and it intrigued him.

"Thank you." She says as she brushed her hair out of her face and finally looked up.

Michael was caught off guard by her large hazel doe eyes. His gaze was then brought to her lips as she flashed him one of the brightest smiles he had ever borne witness to. Clearing her throat she brought him back to her eyes. Thank God for his sun glasses or she would have clearly seen his blatant stares. She glanced over at Frank and began to apologize again for not paying attention.

"No problem doll." Frank chuckled.

"Besides you seemed to have borne the brunt of our meeting." Brushing off her rear end she laughed along.

She Glanced back at Michael.

"Thanks so much again, if you'd excuse me I gotta go." She side stepped Bill and pulled her baseball cap back on turning it to the back.

Michael instinctively turned to look at the girl over his shoulder as his eyes shamelessly took in her fine athletically built body in her small denim shorts.

"Ooohh those legs gawd." He thought to himself and his bottom lip slipped into his mouth to be held captive by his teeth. Just then as if she could read his thoughts she looked back and gave him a small wave and another heart stopping smile. He in turn waved back and flashed her his signature broad smile and then she was gone. With that he headed into the studio behind Frank.

"Definitely intriguing." He thought. Then it hits him this could have been the last time he saw her.

" Work with me here God." It cant be so. This was his final thought.

Alem"s P.O.V.

It had been only an hour since she had started working. Murals were always her favorite things to work on they always allowed her so much room for detail. Right now she was working on Jimi's left eye, her face literally inches away from the wall. She was lost in her reverie of colliding colors and music. Therefore she had not noticed the older gentleman watching in the wings. He had not seen her since her parents past away and he visited her. She had not changed much, she was still beautiful even more so now. He called out to her but she was wearing headphones and it was obvious she had not heard him. He moved closer and reached his arm out and touched her left shoulder. Alem jumped suddenly at the tap on her shoulder. She whipped around clutching her chest.

"Shit man…… Oh my God uncle Q."

"Alem honey how have you been. Its been a couple of years." He said laughing lighty.

She furrowed her brows thinking back to when she had seen him last.

"Yeah is been since……. Yeah." She lowered her eyes to her feet and fiddled with her fingers.

Quincy noticing her discomfort, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"Come on honey, lets go catchup a bit." he smiled and gave her a kiss on her temple.

"Ok cool." She flashed a smile back at him.

Quincy Jones had been friends with her parents for some years. They had become friends when Quincy bought a few of her mothers paintings for his home in California back in the late seventies. Quincy led her back to Studio A.

"What brings you to the N.Y.C. uncle Q?" Alem asked jabbing him him in his rib with her index finger.

"Oh I'm working on an album with a friend of mine." she did not bother to pry further.

"Oh right recording studio duh." Laughing Quincy and pulled open the door to Studio A ushering her inside.

There was another older man inside sitting at the sound board tweaking levers, wearing headphones.

"Hey Bruce."

"Hey Quince." Bruce says standing up to shake his hand.

"Bruce , this is Alem she's the daughter of some old friends of mine."

"Hello Miss Alem." Bruce said extending his hand to shake hers.

"You are quite beautiful" He added.

"Hi Bruce thank you very much." Alem blushed and shoved her hands into her pockets.

" What brings you to our neck of the woods." Bruce continued, sitting on the couch.

Alem brushed a thick lock behind her ear before she answered.

"Oh did you see the mural on the front wall, thats me." Alem said with a smile.

"I've been working on it for two weeks now, its coming along but still have tons of work left to do on it so you will be seeing a lot of me around." She quipped elbowing Quincy and chuckling.

"Looking forward to it baby girl, maybe we can do lunch sometime." Quincy answered.

"Yeah that would be great, well I better be getting back out there." Alem stated getting up from the couch.

"Ok see you around kid. Besides my ribs could use a break from your fingers and elbows girl." His comment caused Alem to fall into a fit of laughter.

Laughing loudly Alem stumbled out the door with out turning around she collided with something solid throwing her backwards to the floor. It was all so funny she had kept on laughing. Her baseball cap had flown off and landed on the floor behind her. Before she knew it a pair of large slender hands were being held out to help her up. She grabbed her hat and grabbed on to the pair of hands. She stood up and thanked the owner of the hands. She turned and looked at the older rotund man and apologized for not paying attention then back to the owner of the slender hands and thanked him again before she excused herself and made her way down the hall leading to the front of the building. She could feel his sunglasses covered stare burn through her back so she turned nonchalantly and waved giving him a grin. He waved back and almost blinded her with his perfect white teeth. She turned and continued down the narrow hall way. She smile briefly to herself. That was Michael Jackson. Wow.