Heartbreak Hotel (Editing)

Chapter 76: Some Men Are Born Great...

November 30, 1983

New York

"Does that man not know what a comb is for?" I whispered into Michael's ear as we stood in front of people, letting them snap photos us. We were in New York, at a restaurant. There, he and his brothers would be announcing their reunion tour in front of fans and News Crews. Something that Michael never wanted to do, but-in my opinion-was forced to do through manipulation, and reverse psychology.

Not long after we had just gotten settled into our new home we found out secret meetings that Jermaine was having with his brothers about the possibility of leaving Motown and starting a reunion tour, hoping that it would help them get to where they want to be in their careers, and to help Marlon with his financial issues. Michael was completely unaware of these meetings that they were having, and apparently they had been having them since the beginning of the year. I wasn't sure how long they all were contemplating on all of this before Joseph called Michael in for a family meeting in Hayvenhurst, all I know is based on the way they approached the manner, they had planned on an easy way to tell Michael. I was there at the top of the stairs with Janet watching them down below as they sat on the couches.

Joseph sat before them I'm the large chair with his hands folded in front him. " Michael, I know you've been doing your own thing right now. Working with your own music and all, and you been doin' good."

I could tell he watching his face carefully for a reaction. From where I was standing I couldn't see one at all. All I could see was the top of his head.

" We're happy for you-we really are, but you have to remember where you came from. You have to remember your family. " I heard Michael's sigh from all the way up there. That was a line that he heard repeatedly when he knew something was going come up. Janet and I exchange glanced while we waited for what was coming next. "Motown 25 was....amazing. Seeing all of you up there together again...was just...something that I never thought I'd see again." I had already had it in my mind when this meeting was called that he wanted something. I just didn't think he was going to be so bad at convincing. I mean, seriously? He could've done better than that.

"Me and your brothers think that it's time to go back to work and tour. The Jackson 5 and Randy too..." The more Joseph spoke, the more I saw Michael shift uncomfortably in his seat.

When Joseph speech was was finished there was silence in the room. All eyes were on Michael and I found myself playing with the rings on my finger. " Count me out." His answer was swift and to the point.

There was a grunt that came from one of the brothers, I'm not sure who it was. Joseph began to persuade Michael, telling him that his brothers needed the money for problems that they were having in their personal lives. They kept using Marlon as back bone. Talking about how he needed the money to help he and his wife, Carol, who were having problems in their marriage. Michael responded to that by saying: "That's not my problem."

As time ticked the conversation got a little heated, Jermaine and Randy left the room leaving the rest there to argue Michael all up until Michael had had enough. He stood up from the couch holding his hat in hand, " I'm sorry, but there are a lot more things I'd rather be doing than to be touring. The answer is no!" Then he turned and looked up at me with anger in his eyes. "Liyah, let's go!" He said harshly. The thought of how he even knew I was watching didn't even occur to me as I walked quickly down the steps. " We're leaving!" He announced as he began walking out the door, leaving me to follow.

The days and weeks leading up to that was literally filled with them trying to get him to agree by doing anything they could think of:Guilt. Reverse psychology, even just flat out yelling at him in his face. Times at home was with him ranting on and on about how felt as though he was being used by his brothers so that they could fix their own problems. As much as I  wanted to interviene in with the situation, I did not. I thought that it was not in my place to do that. So, I tried to keep myself occupied with music and rehearsals for upcoming shows that the group had and I had to prepare for. As much as I wanted to give my opinion, I remained quiet. Holding my tongue. Finally, after weeks of arguments and frustration, Michael said yes. But that was only because they pulled his biggest weakness.