"You know what," Ashley said laughing over the phone, "I've had enough of you. I'm gonna hang up." I laughed as I teased her about when I pushed her in her pool a few days ago. She was furious nonetheless, but played it off as she always did.

"I'm gonna get you when you least expect it, Jackson," she said playfully. "Yeah, yeah, when have I heard that before?" I heard her smack her lips. "You're walking on thin ice, Mr. Jackson."

I laughed at her playful banter when something popped into my mind. "Oh, Smiles! Wanna be my date at the Soul Train Awards on Sunday?" It went silent on her end and I got confused.

"Hello?" I said thinking she left. I heard her clear her throat, "I'm here," she said quietly. "What's wrong?"

"Yeah, uh about that," she started slowly. "What?" I asked, interrupting her. "It's just that I would love to be your date, but I kinda already said yes to someone else."

Wait, what? Said yes to who? Whoever it was, I'm putting a stop to it.

"Michael, you there?" she questioned. I took a deep breath. "I'm here."

"Look-" she started but I cut her off. "Who are you going with?" I asked sternly but still slightly confused. Why would she say yes to someone else?

"Don't be mad," she said slowly. "Ashley, just tell me," I said slightly annoyed. I heard her take a deep breath. "Will Smith."

I dropped the phone, literally. I paced the room back and forth, angry. I knew we shouldn't have gone to that after party. All night, men had been after her and Ashley being just a nice person, she conversed with them but they probably took it the wrong way.

And this, Will Smith, had his eyes on her all night. I caught him flirting with her when we first arrived and every so often when I would look around, he'd be looking in her direction.

"Michael? Michael? Are you there?" I heard from the phone on the floor. I stopped and stared at it before I picked it up. "Why?" I asked.

"Well, I didn't know if you would ask me!?" she said, trying to defend herself. "He asked me a few nights ago and I held off waiting for you to ask, but you hadn't so I told him yes." I breathed out deeply and I knew she could tell I was irritated.

"You should've just assumed we were going! We have something going on between us, wouldn't it make sense to just assume you were my date?" I said back sternly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to calm down. This girl made my blood pressure rise sometimes. "Cancel on him."

"What? Michael, I can't do that!" she said, shocked. "Why not? You're not dating. Or are you? Seems like you're not telling me everything anymore." I heard her sigh heavily. Here we go, our first fight.

"We're not dating, Michael. I would never do that to you. I would never hurt you," she said sadly. "Yeah, well you're hurting me right now." It went silent for a while before I spoke again. "How did he even get your number?"

"I guess he got in contact with some of my people, I don't know," she said quietly. I shook my head. "So, you're talking to him then?"

"No, it's nothing like that. We've only talked twice on the phone. I told you I wouldn't hurt you," she said exasperatedly. I cleared my throat, trying to comprehend what was actually happening right now.

"Are you going to continue talking to him?" She sighed again, "I don't know Michael. What? Am I not allowed to have friends?"

"I never said that, but it's obvious he's making passes at you and you still said yes!" She didn't say anything, she just kept silent.

"Okay, let's say you go out with him and you realize you're attracted to him. Are you gonna date him?"

"Okay, that's not fair. You're thinking hypothetically. But, to answer you, no. You know I only have feelings for one person and that's you. And no offense, but Michael you can't control me and who I decide to befriend."

"Are you implying I control you?" I asked back, annoyed. She didn't answer. "Wow, okay."

"That's not what I meant, Michael. I'm sorry for all of this, but I can't say no now."

"Yeah, okay. I gotta go," I said, getting ready to hang up.

"Michael, wait-" she said before I hung up. I placed the phone back on the receiver and flopped back on my bed, sighing hard. I couldn't believe her. Why would she do this to me? I thought what she and I had was a mutual feeling? We admitted our feelings for each other, so wouldn't that mean, we're both off limits to other people? I didn't want anyone else, but her. Why couldn't she extend the same courtesy.

For the rest of that day, I laid in bed confused. I almost felt sick. I felt like a part of my heart was being ripped out of my chest. I laid in bed all day, not even moving to use the bathroom.

"Ashley, tilt your head up a little to the left...and there! Perfect!" Peter Lindbergh said as I modeled to be on the cover of Harper Bazaar. "Everyone, give it up for Ashley!" Peter said enthusiastically as everyone that was a part of the production clapped for me. I smiled and bowed thanking them as I walked back to my trailer.

"Smiles! Telephone!" Wes yelled as I ran over to him. "Is it Michael!?" I asked before I grabbed the phone. Wes shook his head sadly. I had told Wes about our little dispute the other day. Wes told me to just give him time and so I did, but on the inside I was hurting because I had hurt him.

But, to my defense I didn't think he was going to ask! Hell, when he asked I'd only have 5 days to find a dress! That's not enough time because I knew he'd want to match.

And besides, I didn't see Will as anything other than my friend. I only wanted Michael. I would never go off on him even though we weren't "official" yet.

"Hello?" I answered. "Hi Ashley!" my grandpa exclaimed happily. "Papa! Hi! I miss you so much!" It's true. I missed my whole family. I hadn't seen them since Christmas and I desperately wanted to go home to visit them. "I miss you too. How are you?" he asked as I heard my grandma in the back yell, "I miss you too!"

I chuckled at them. "I'm okay. Something happened between me and Michael and he's a little mad at me right now," I said face palming. I cringed every time I thought about it.

"Uh oh, what happened?" he asked. I was actually glad my grandpa called. He always knew what to say. And yes, I had told my family about Michael, but not to the full extent. I couldn't avoid it at Thanksgiving dinner so I let them in on some little insight. They lost their shit to say the least because they all knew how much I loved Michael growing up.

I told my grandpa the story and he sighed. "Ashley, I'm not going to lie to you, that was wrong. It's obvious he feels something for you, so it's natural for him to be hurt."

"But, I don't see Will as anything but a friend. He can't dictate who I'm friends with." I heard my grandpa sigh. "No, Ash. That's not the point. Sure, he's hurt that you're going with someone who obviously likes you, but what hurts him most is that now he's under the impression that he doesn't mean as much to you as you do to him. He's questioning whether or not you actually have feelings for him. Why would you say yes to someone else who obviously likes you? You basically said yes to Will's advances. So, now Michael is thinking where does that leave him? "

I sighed, finally understanding Michael's hurt. "You're right," I said sadly. "It'll all work out. Give him a call and apologize. Tell him you understand and that your intentions were to never hurt him, you were just blinded by your kindness."

"Thanks, Papa." We talked a few more minutes before I had to go because I had an important phone call to make.

My leg bounced as the phone rang. I was nervous to say the least. "Hello?" Michael's voice rang in my ear. "Michael," I said softly, happy to hear his voice.

It was silent for a little before he spoke. "Hey," he whispered. This was our most awkward conversation yet and I hated it. It was never like this between us and I hated that I was the one who caused it.

I breathed out deeply, "I'm sorry, Michael. I really am. I wasn't thinking of you and your feelings when I told Will yes, but now I understand. I get it now. I really do. I wish I could go back and turn down Will but I can't. But, I want you to know how sorry I am. I never meant to hurt you and I know I did. I hate myself for it but you mean a lot to me. More than anything in my life and I want you to know that. I need you to know that. I don't want you to ever doubt my feelings for you. They're real and I don't think they're going anywhere," I said chuckling while I sniffled. I also heard Michael sniffle too as he chuckled.

"I'm falling for you, Michael Jackson and I can't bear to let my selected blindness cause me to be the reason I lose someone as great as you. I couldn't bear that. I don't think I could live without you."

I wiped the few tears that had fallen and I heard Michael sniffle. "I'm falling for you too, Richmond," Michael said chuckling. "I forgive you. And I'm sorry if I ever made you feel restricted or confined. My intentions weren't to have you feel controlled."

"No, you have no reason to apologize for anything Michael. This was all me. I take full responsibility."

"I've missed you Smiles," Michael said softly. "I've missed you too," I said before I laughed. "What?" Michael asked through our laughter. "Nothing, just 3 days isn't even that long. Are we that pathetic?"

Michael laughed more, "Yeah, 3 days but it felt like eternity. I hated feeling like that between us." I sighed, "Me too. Let's never let that happen again. I felt sick to my stomach. I didn't even eat," I admitted truthfully.

"Me neither!" he exclaimed. The conversation went on and it was as if that fight never happened and I was so grateful for that.

"So, what are you doing?" I asked kicking off my shoes. "Well, I'm laying in bed with my twisted ankle."

"What!? Michael, stop playing," I exclaimed. "No, I'm serious, Smiles!" My eyes widened, "What happened to you! You're supposed to perform in 2 days!"

"I was dancing and I twisted my ankle. It's pretty bad. I'm on crutches and everything," he said dramatically. "Michael! Oh no, are you okay?"

I heard him groan in pain as I heard him shuffling on the bed. "Michael, stop! You're scaring me!"

He sighed, "I'm alright. It just hurts really bad and I don't like all of these people that keep checking up on me. You should come help me."

"Why?" I asked, smirking. "So you could come and kiss it better," he said slickly. "Michael," I said rolling my eyes, "Is your ankle really twisted or are you just saying that so I could come over?"

"No, I'm serious. Come over and you'll see I'm for real. Come, I want you here."

"Michael, if I go over there and your ankle isn't twisted, Imma twist it myself," I said laughing as he laughed me off. "See you in 20."

As I got to Michael's condo, I was expecting to see him up and walking but when I walked into his bedroom, I saw him lying against the headboard with this foot elevated by pillows and the crutches leaning against his nightstand. I ran over to him and kissed his face all over while repeating "I'm sorry."

He laughed as he accepted my kisses, "Why are you sorry?" I pouted, "I don't like seeing you hurt. It makes me hurt," I said sadly.

"You're so emotional," Michael said as he pulled me into a hug. "Let me see," I said as I pulled out of the hug trying to examine his ankle but Michael yelled for me not to. "NO! Don't touch it! Don't even go near it. Sit with me," Michael said as he patted the spot next to him.

I crawled onto the bed and snuggled into Michael as he breathed in my hair. "Do you need anything? Some food? Something to drink?" I asked, looking up at him. "No, I'm fine for now. Just happy to see you again."

Michael and I ended up ordering pizza and watching movies in bed all night. I was happy that we were able to put the past behind us so fast.

As I hopped to my dressing room from soundcheck, which was coincidentally right across from Ashley's because she was presenting tonight, (Not really. I made them put our rooms right next to each other.) I heard her laugh. Her laugh was like music to my ears and could spot it from anywhere.

I peeked into her room and saw her laughing with Tyra Banks. They were talking about something before Ashley looked in her mirror and saw me on my crutches. She got up laughing, "Sit down somewhere!" she exclaimed, helping me over to the couch that Tyra was sitting on.

I looked at Tyra and she was almost hyperventilating. "Tyra, meet Michael. Michael, meet my friend, Tyra," Ashley gestured between the two of us. I held my hand out and smiled, "Hi. Nice to meet you." Tyra fanned herself, "I feel like I'm about to faint. Hi, I'm a huge fan," Tyra said, shaking my hand.

"What brings you in here?" Ashley asked and as I went to answer her, she spoke again. "Crazy that our rooms are right across from each other," she said, cocking her brow at me and folding her arms.

I chuckled, rubbing my palms against my thighs, "Yep. Crazy coincidence right?" Ashley pursed her lips at me, "Uh huh," she said not believing me.

Tyra excused herself soon after, leaving Ashley and I alone. "Where's your date?" I asked slickly as Ashley sat in her makeup chair. She gave me a look through the mirror. "Don't start," she said as she put her makeup away.

I put my hands up in defense as a knock was heard on the door. "Come in," Ashley said aloud and I be damned. Will walks in. He looks at me sitting on the couch and quickly his eyes shoot to Ashley as I cocked a brow at him. I still couldn't believe this but I knew where Ashley's heart was at. She admitted she was falling for me so I felt better about the whole situation.

Will fidgeted, rubbing his neck as Ashley stood up. "Hey," she said, giving him a friendly hug causing me to roll my eyes and look away. "Michael, meet Will. Will, this is Michael," Ashley said smiling at the two of us. "Hi. Pleasure to meet you. I'm a huge fan," Will said, sticking out his hand.

I faked a smile and shook his hand. "I'm sure you are." Ashley secretly nudged my foot and gave me a look. "Nice to meet you," I added. "You look great," Will said as Ashley sat back down, while he stood there looking awkward. I really couldn't believe this was actually happening.

"Really? My hair isn't even done yet,' Ashley said, taking it out of her high ponytail. "Yeah, you always look great," Will answered. I rolled my eyes at his attempt to flirt. I couldn't sit here and watch this anymore. I stood up wobbling as I grabbed my crutches.

I hopped over to Ashley and kissed her cheek, "See you later, Smiles," I said softly. "Yeah, see you," Ashley said smiling. I hopped over to head to my dressing room as Will moved out of the way. He knew better. I turned back around to Ashley. "Just yell if you need me. I'm only across the hall," I said teasingly as she playfully rolled her eyes.

Hours later, the award show began and I watched from my dressing room. I watched on the TV as Ashley walked out with Toni Braxton to present Best R&B/Soul Album for Female. She looked stunning as always. She was wearing an all black Christian Dior dress. It was one shoulder and on her right side it had cuts and an opened slit on her right thigh. I licked my lips looking at her as she smiled and flipped her bone straight hair.

"Look at you. Lusting over her!" Eddie teased as I watched her. I turned to him and laughed. "She is fine though. Goddamn!" My face fell flat. "Watch it," I said sternly.

I watched as Mary J Blige won for her album 'What's the 411?' which was well deserved. That album was great. Mary was a new, soulful sound.

Soon after I headed to my seat to be awarded Soul Train's 1993 Humanitarian award. I was honored nonetheless and it just motivated me to do more work for the children.

Eddie presented me the award and we had fun onstage as he teased me into telling the audience what happened to my foot. I was highly embarrassed but I still told them because they really wanted to know.

When I first walked up to the stage though, the cameras caught me staring down at Ashley who was standing up clapping when Will whispered in her ear making her laugh. I had to remind myself that I had her heart.

I was wheeled backstage in a wheelchair, because I was winning the next award as well for Best R&B/Soul Album for Male. I was super happy that 'Dangerous' was still winning awards 2 years after its release. Talk about iconic.

I then went on to perform 'Remember The Time' for the first time in a chair. I was upset because this was my first performance of this song live and I knew the performance had so much potential but it was all ruined with my injury. Already being a perfectionist, it made me even more disappointed that I couldn't give the fans and Ashley (her favorite song) a proper performance.

During the performance, after I stood up a few times because I couldn't help myself I looked to Ashley as my dancers danced behind to make it look like an illusion, she pointed at me in the audience and mouthed, "You better sit down!" causing me to chuckle a little bit.

After the award show, I went backstage to take a few pictures with my awards and Don Cornelius, the old host of Soul Train.

As I made my way to my dressing room, I heard laughter erupting from Ashley's dressing room and a popping noise.

"Wayne, take me to her room first," I said as he pushed the wheelchair. I rolled in and saw Ashley with a crowd of people in her room, and of course Will, pouring champagne. This girl, I tell you. She loves to drink.