Melody flung her front door open in excitement, "Athena, Cheryl, welcome!" Melody greeted them with open arms, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She ushered them inside her cozy home studio, where the air was rich with the scent of creativity and possibility.
Athena couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia as she took in the familiar surroundings, the walls adorned with gold records and memorabilia from their days in Sorelle.
Cheryl's eyes widened in awe at the sight of Melody's impressive studio setup, "Wow, this place is amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.
Melody beamed at Cheryl's enthusiasm before turning her attention back to Athena, "So, Athena, tell me everything. What made you decide to dive back into music again?" she asked, curiosity evident in her expression.
"Well, I've been thinking about it for a while," Athena said truthfully, "I was just so hesitant because....well, you know what happened with the comparisons in Sorelle."
Melody nodded knowingly, her expression sympathetic, "I understand your concerns, but trust me—this time will be different. You have grown so much as an artist since Sorelle, and this solo project will be a chance for you to truly shine in your own light," she reassured.
"My father, my brothers, and my husband have been very encouraging," Athena nodded, "I have their support, and Cheryl has been cheering me on as well. I feel ready to take this step now."
"Oh my God!" Melody exclaimed, "You're married now?! To who?! When?!"
"Don't freak out when I tell you," Athena said with a smile, "You'll never believe me."
"Try me," Melody urged, her eyes widening with excitement.
"Let's give you a hint!" Cheryl grinned, "He's a bit of a....Smooth Criminal."
Melody's eyes widened in disbelief, a gasp escaping her lips as realization dawned on her, "No way.....Michael Jackson?!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her shock.
Athena nodded with a grin, delighted by Melody's reaction, "Yes, the one and only," she confirmed, her heart glowing with love for her husband.
Melody's excitement was contagious as she clasped her hands together in excitement, "This is incredible news! Athena Tyler married to Michael Jackson and making a comeback in the music industry. It's like a dream come true!" she gushed, her mind already racing with creative ideas for their collaboration.
Cheryl couldn't help but chuckle at Melody's overjoyed reaction, feeling grateful to witness such a significant moment in Athena's life. The studio seemed to buzz with an electric energy, filled with the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities.
As they settled into comfortable chairs, Melody wasted no time diving into details for things she had been thinking of specifically for Athena for years.
Athena listened intently, her heart swelling with gratitude for Melody's unwavering support and enthusiasm. The ideas flowed effortlessly between them, each suggestion igniting a spark of inspiration within Athena. Cheryl watched in awe as the two women seamlessly fell back into their rhythm, their creative synergy palpable in the air.
Before they knew it, hours had passed in a blur of brainstorming and laughter. Melody's studio had transformed into a sanctuary of music and memories, the walls echoing with the promise of a new chapter in Athena's career.
Hours passed, and the three women didn't realize until Cheryl looked at the moon cast over the dark night sky.
"Ladies, look! We've been here for hours!" Cheryl exclaimed in amazement, her eyes wide with disbelief at how time had flown by in the midst of their creative brainstorming session, "And it's almost 1AM!"
"Oh, wow, look at that!" Athena laughed, "I was having so much fun!"
"Athena, I have a proposal for you," Melody began, her voice laced with excitement. "What do you say we start working on your solo album right away? We can set up a schedule that works for all of us and dive headfirst into this project! We can start tomorrow!"
"I think I'm in!" Athena grinned, "Are we having a sleepover?"
Melody's eyes lit up with joy at Athena's enthusiasm, "Absolutely! We can turn this creative session into a full-blown slumber party. I have spare bedrooms for both of you, and we can continue our brainstorming bright and early in the morning. This is the beginning of something magical, I can feel it," she said, her excitement contagious.
"I'm in too!" Cheryl added, "But Athena and I should probably let our husbands know we're sleeping over!"
Athena chuckled at Cheryl's remark, her heart warm with gratitude for having such supportive friends by her side. "You're right, we should probably text them before they send out a search party," she joked, reaching for her phone.
Just then a text came in from Michael.
Hey baby. Call me when you get this. I'm worried about you. -Michael
Athena's heart skipped a beat as she read Michael's message, a pang of guilt tugging at her for not informing him earlier about her impromptu trip to Melody's house. She quickly dialed his number, her fingers tapping nervously on the screen as she waited for him to pick up.
"Hey, Mikey," she greeted him, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, "I'm so sorry for not texting you earlier. I'm at Melody's place with Cheryl. We got caught up in a creative brainstorming session, which may or may not have included wine..." she added in a slightly guilty tone, scratching the back of her neck, "And maybe some, um.....other alcoholic substances..."
"Oh, really?" Michael's voice held a hint of amusement on the other end of the line, "Sounds like you're having quite the party over there. Should I be worried?"
"Hmm.....I don't know," Athena replied with a mischievous smile, "I may cause trouble..." she giggled, "I'm kidding. I'll behave."
Michael's chuckle on the other end of the line warmed Athena's heart, easing any lingering worries she had about his reaction, "As long as you're having fun and staying safe, I trust you," he replied with a hint of playfulness in his voice, "Just don't let Melody and Cheryl lead you astray too much," he added, his tone filled with mock concern.
Athena laughed at Michael's teasing, grateful for his understanding nature, "Don't worry, I have these two to keep an eye on me," she reassured him, nodding towards Melody and Cheryl who were exchanging mischievous grins, "Although they look like they're planning something evil already..."
"Alright, baby. Have fun, but don't overdo it," Michael said affectionately, "I need you back in one piece."
Athena smiled at Michael's words, feeling his love and care wash over her even through the phone. "I promise, I'll be good. I love you," she said softly, her heart swelling with affection for her husband.
"I love you too, baby girl."
With a contented sigh, Athena hung up the phone and turned her attention back to Melody and Cheryl, who were already plotting their next move with mischievous grins.
"Looks like we have the green light to party a little harder!" Athena exclaimed, causing Melody and Cheryl to burst into laughter.
The trio continued their creative session well into the night, fueled by music, laughter, and an unbreakable bond of friendship that seemed to grow stronger with each passing hour. In that moment, under the soft glow of Melody's studio lights, Athena knew that this night marked not only the beginning of her solo career but also the start of an unforgettable journey filled with endless possibilities.
And as the first light of dawn peeked through the windows, painting the room in hues of gold and orange, Athena's eyes popped open as she sat up, blocking the sunlight with her hand, "Ugh....I've got to stop drinking scotch..."
Melody and Cheryl groaned in unison, their heads pounding from the night of revelry.
Melody squinted at the clock on the wall and gasped, "Oh, wow, I don't think I've ever slept in this late," she laughed.
Athena rubbed her temples, wincing at the bright sunlight streaming into the room, "I can't believe I let myself sleep in like this. Michael is probably worried sick about me," she muttered, scrambling to find her phone amidst the scattered empty glasses and music sheets from the night before.
Athena's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Michael calling.
"Uh oh, it's Michael calling!" Athena exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She took a deep breath before answering the call. "Hey, Mikey," she greeted him, trying to sound as normal as possible despite the headache that throbbed in her temples from the night of revelry.
"Hey, baby," Michael's voice sounded concerned yet relieved, "I tried calling you earlier but couldn't reach you. Are you okay? What time did you girls finally call it a night?"
Athena winced at Michael's questions, feeling a pang of guilt for not keeping him updated throughout the night, "I'm so sorry, Mikey. We got carried away with our brainstorming session and... well, it turned into a slumber party," she admitted sheepishly.
"A slumber party?" Michael sounded amused, "You haven't had one of those since....well, ever," he teased.
Athena chuckled, knowing she had some explaining to do about the state of Melody's studio after their impromptu party, "Don't worry, we didn't wreck Melody's place... too much. But I might need a gallon of coffee to function properly today," she confessed, glancing at the mess around them.
"Well, as long as you had fun and didn't burn the place down," Michael teased, his voice filled with warmth and affection, "Just make sure to drink plenty of water and maybe take it easy on the scotch next time," he added with a chuckle. "I'm just glad you're safe and sound. When are you coming home? I miss you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of longing.
"I, um, I'm gonna use Melody's shower and then get a new outfit from the store and maybe grab lunch with them," Athena said, rubbing one side of her temples to get rid of her headache, "I don't want to come home smelling like alcohol and chocolate."
"Chocolate?" Michael questioned, "How did chocolate get involved in this?"
"I may or may not have found a box of chocolates in Melody's fridge and... well, let's just say they didn't last long," Athena admitted sheepishly, a guilty smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Michael laughed on the other end of the line, his voice filled with fondness, "Only you could turn a creative session into a slumber party with chocolate indulgence. I can't wait to hear all about your escapades when you get home," he said playfully, his affection shining through his words, "Be careful, baby. I love you."
After hanging up the phone, Athena perked up, "Melody! I'm gonna use your shower! Do you two wanna come shopping with me after?"
Melody and Cheryl exchanged a look before bursting into laughter at Athena's suggestion.
Melody clapped her hands, "Shopping therapy it is! I need to get my hands on that new leather jacket I saw last week!"
Cheryl nodded in agreement, "Count me in! I could use some retail therapy after our wild night."
Athena grinned at her friends' enthusiasm, feeling grateful for their unwavering support and camaraderie. As she stepped into the warm water of the shower, the events of the night before washed over her like a soothing balm, filling her with a sense of contentment and joy.
After getting dressed in a fresh outfit borrowed from Melody's wardrobe, the trio set off for a day of shopping and light-hearted banter. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the bustling city streets as they strolled from store to store, trying on clothes and sharing stories from their eventful night.
As they settled down for a quick bite to eat at a small cafe, they discussed Athena's solo endeavors.
"So, Cheryl," Athena said, "I know you must have a lot of clients, but would you mind staying on with me to work on my solo material?"
Cheryl's eyes lit up with excitement at Athena's proposal, her passion for music evident in the way she leaned forward eagerly, "Are you serious, Athena? I would love to work with you on your solo material! Your voice is pure magic, and I can already imagine the kind of songs and melodies and tunes we could create together."
Athena beamed at Cheryl's enthusiasm, grateful for her friend's unwavering support and musical expertise, "I couldn't imagine embarking on this solo journey without you by my side, Cheryl. Your talent and creativity have inspired me every day since I discovered who you were."
Melody chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Well, it looks like we have the perfect dream team here! Get ready for some chart-topping hits, world tours, and maybe even a few wild slumber parties along the way."