1974
Brooklyn and Janet are 8, Michael is 16
Brooklyn: I heard footsteps on the stairs, and Janet's room door opened, revealing the familiar face of Michael.
Weird, I remember Katherine saying that they will only be back in two days.
"Mike!" my best friend yelled, and ran to hug her brother. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too, Janet." he said, hugging her tighter. "Who's this?"
"Oh, Mike, meet Brooke. My best friend." Janet said.
"So you're THE best friend I keep hearing about. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Michael smiled at me, holding out his hand for me. I shook it, smiling back.
"And you're THE older brother I keep hearing about." I said, mimicking his tone.
He chuckled, and Janet started blushing.
"Come on down, everyone's home."
Janet dragged me downstairs, and the entire Jackson family was in the living room, smiling and hugging each other.
She ran to hug her siblings, while I stood next to Michael, smiling at my best friend's reaction.
"I already forgot how excited she gets sometimes." Michael whispered to me.
I nodded, "I know, I see her everyday."
He laughed as everyone's attension turned to me.
"Who's this, mother?"Jermaine asked.
"This is my best friend, Brooke. Remember? I told you about her." Janet said.
"Oh, that's right. It's great to finally meet you. Little Janet here can't stop telling us about her best friend."
They all shook my hand, and finally, I met Joseph, Janet's father.
"It's good to meet you, Mr. Jackson." I said, holding my hand out.
He smiled gently and shook it quickly, "You, too."
"I'll give your father a call, Brooke. It's getting late." Katherine said, disappearing into the kitchen.
Michael turned to me, "Once again, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Brooke."
He gave me a quick hug before joining his siblings.
~
1976
Brooklyn and Janet are 10, Michael is 18
Brooklyn: The music was playing loud from the record player, and I danced to the beat.
I don't know what's been going on lately, but I've been dancing randomly all the time. And I loved it.
"Wow, you got some moves." I heard from behind.
It cought me off guard and I stumbled and fell on my butt.
A hand was offered to help me up, and I was looking straight at Janet.
Michael was in the doorway, smiling. "That was pretty good. I didn't know you could dance."
I blushed.
"Yeah, that was great, Brooke!" Janet said.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming, Jan?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"Oh, I called and your dad answered the phone. He said you're home, and Michael offered to take me. Your dad let us in and said you were here." she answered.
"So, about those dance moves. You look like you need some lessons. You have potential. Take it from a professional." Michael said.
"Yeah, Mike! Maybe you can teach her. I mean, you are home almost every week now, I'm sure you could teach her sometim-" Janet started, but I cut her off,
"No."
"Why not? Come on, I can see it. You have what it takes to be a dancer, Brooke. I won't even look at it as teaching, okay? I'll just give you a little push."
"Pleaseeeeeee. Do it for me?" my best friend pleaded, looking at me with puppy eyes.
"Fine."
~
1977
Brooklyn is 11, Michael is 19
Brooklyn: "I can't do it, Michael. I think we should stop for today." I said, turning off the music, after trying to copy one of Michael's moves.
"Yes, you can. That's your problem. Stop thinking, that's the worst mistake a dancer could make. Feel the beat, let it take over you." he said, turning the music back on.
I watched him dance again, and sighed. This will be a long day.
YOU ARE READING
With Michael
FanfictionBrooklyn Clare Casey is Janet Jackson's best friend. They've known each other since they were both four years old. Janet introduces Brooklyn to her older brother, Michael, and a new relationship is born.
