Early at five in the Morning, I had taken some sweets and treats and wrapped them up to make them look pretty. There I left a note saying, " Dearest Jackson Family,

Thank you so much for inviting me over for lunch and to swim and shoot hoops! I dont really get to do that anymore so it was really fun! Here's a treat from me to you.

With Love,

Jennifer W. Alvarez."

We didn't talk much after that. We were wrapped up in our own schedules for months. I was bouncing from city to city performing and putting on shows. I tried to focus mainly on my music.

When we did meet again, it was sponaneous. I was feeling sorta sick so I went outside for a fresh breath--the casserole didn't sit right with me. "maybe I didn't cook the meat all through? Who knows..."

I sat down on the curb, thinking I just needed fresh air before I literally tossed some cookies. Just as I was starting to feel better and head inside, II heard slamming, screaming and yelling from the Jackson's house. Someone ran out of the house crying. It was Michael. I guess he had seen me and ran up to me. " Michael, what's wrong?"

" My father," I could barely understand through the tears. It was literally so dark I could barely see his face.

" What happened?"

" I don't understand him! He's always tearin' me down and making fun of me. I ain't ever gonna live a normal life..."

I was a little shocked at first. I let him shed a few tears to let it all out.

" He says my face is ugly....with all my pimples and my big nose." He could barely speak, " I get pushed to the limit from my own father and sometimes I really can't stand there and take it."

" Look at me," I turned him around to look at me, " You are not ugly. Thinking you're ugly is something you're taught, don't think that way Michael. I mean you're young and we all have insecurities, but you can learn to embrace them!"

" Have you ever felt lonely?" He asked me out of the blue.

" Almost everyday," I sat down next to him, " It's funny how you can be surrounded by so much love and support and feel like you are the only one who truly knows yourself."

"That's exactly what I mean. I've always wanted a friend who I can have long talks with over the phone, be able to hang out with." He thought about what he said, and he looked at me. I gave him the sweetest smile I could. " When you came over yesterday I knew you were more than a star, but you were so genuine. Articulate, honest and really kind. I really like that."

" I can only say the same about you, Michael. We really hit it off, didn't we? I'd love to be more of an apprentice, Michael. and it may be easier for us to connect this way, you know? Since we're so busy. I'll write my phone number for you tomorrow okay?"

He grinned.

He had given me a hug, he was still sniffling and I held on for as long as I could.

" Hey," I playfully punched his shoulder, " I gotta go home or else my Dad gonna wonder where I went. Glad I could talk to you tonight!"