Elisa Catani sat in her little cubicle staring at her computer screen. The chaos of the news room around her made her want to scream. She was grateful to her father for getting her this job, she knew that jobs as a journalist in LA were not easy to come by. However, writing for a small local newspaper about the local flower festival is not what she had in mind.

She hated being in a cramped news room with 15 other employees that never seemed to shut up and work. Their consent chatter made her want to blow her brains out. Her coworkers were arrogant and conceited, especially a middle age woman who wrote for the gossip column, who walked around as if she was curing cancer.

Just as Elisa was getting back into her riveting article about flowers, she sensed someone behind her. The smell of cheap perfume tipped her off too exactly who it was.

"Yes Anna, can I help you?" She said not turning around. Anna took a sip of her coffee and sat next to Elisa's keyboard. She knew that Elisa hated when she did that, which is precisely why she smiled sarcastically down at her.

"I just finished my amazing article about the Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, there up in coming divorce is making great news." Anna said smiling as if she just won the lottery. Elisa glanced up at her than returned to her article.

"I'm so glad that rumors about a splitting Hollywood couple, is making you so happy." Elisa said continuing to type. Anna sighed and looked at Elisa's computer screen. Elisa could feel her coffee breath on her neck and wanted to strangle her.

"Wow" Anna said sounding surprised. Finally Elisa stopped and turned around in her chair to face her. "What?" she said.

"I'm just surprised that your article sounds interesting. Not a lot of people can take something as boring as a flower festival sound interesting and saying…" she paused and looked at Elisa's computer screen. "That this flower festival will brighten your day and in slay your senses with its aroma and cheerfulness was a great ending." Anna said reading the last line of the article.

"I have to say I am impressed that you took something boring and made it sound appealing." Elisa was shocked, Anna had never complimented her work before and she did not know wither she was serious or not.

"Thank you, it means a lot that you like it." She said lying, she did not respect Anna as a writer and her opinion meant nothing to her.

"Ah, I'm glad I caught you." Both ladies turned to see their boss walking towards them. Gary was a great Editor and Chief, he was firm and was an amazing writer. His people skills however were not so great, he loved gossip and since 70% of the papers revenue came from the gossip column he worshiped Anna.

"There is a huge press conference that I need you to cover." He said to Anna ignoring Elisa. Anna's face lit up like it was Christmas morning.

"Gladly. When and where?" Anna said taking the press badge from Gary. "It's a press conference regarding the baby dangling incident." He said. Anna smile only seemed to get bigger, the worse the news the more juicy her stories are and the more happy she was.

"Yeah, I heard about that. Wacko Jacko trying to throw this newborn baby out of some hotel window." Anna said.

"I am sure he was not trying to throw his new born baby out of a window. He was probably just leaning over to far and the tabloids manipulated the situation." Elisa said firmly. Gary finally turned to face her.

"Well whatever his intention was the "incident" is big news. So Anna the press conference is in an hour I need you to…." He was cut off by Anna holding up her hand.

"Wait, its today? I told you two weeks ago that I had to take this afternoon off. I have an important doctor's appointment."

It took all of Elisa's professionalism not to laugh. Important doctor's appointment was code for I have to go see my plastic surgeon. Gary sighed and took the press pass back. "I guess I'll just have to go. I can be late to my grandsons birthday party it's ok." His sarcasm could be seen a mile away but Anna seemed oblivious.

"Well, now that we have that settled I have to get going." Anna grabbed her coffee cup and walked away. Gary turned to walk back to his office, Elisa followed.

"Gary I would be happy to cover the news conference. I know that I am a new employee but I think I have proven that I am a good asset to you. "Elisa said firmly.
Gary sat at his desk and watched her for a few moments. She stood patiently waiting for his reply.

"I don't know Elisa, this is a very important press conference. There are going to be a lot of important people there." Elisa tried not to show that she was offended.

"Sir, I may be one of your younger writers but I am not naïve or incompetent. I have been writing fluff pieces for a while now and I know I am ready for something more substantial. I will not let you down."

Gary smiled at her little speech and handed her the press badge. "I want an article on my desk by tomorrow morning." Elisa smiled and walked proudly out of his office.

When Elisa reached her apartment she only had 45 minutes to change and get ready for the press conference. She ignored the red light flashing on her answering machine, 18 messages in a 6 hour period. The only person who was that persistent is her mother, and Elisa had no time for her now. Elisa was so nervous, her seat at the press conference was in the front row which made her butterflies worse. Elisa put on some lip gloss and tied up her long black hair, she had no time for a shower and her frizzy hair was not making an appearance on the 6 o'clock news. She took one more look in mirror, and was only slightly satisfied with her appearance before leaving.

"The press conference is starting Mr. Michael don't you want to know what they are saying?" said Grace who was cleaning up toys off the floor.

Michael who did not even want to see the t.v screen yelled from the next room.

"No thank you, I am trying to put Blanket down for a nap. I don't need to hear that the world thinks I am a bad father." Michael said, sadly as he held blanket in his arms rocking him back and forth, humming a soothing melody.

He could not believe that the world thought that he tried to throw his son over a balcony. The tabloids have always been cruel and manipulated but saying that he was trying to kill his son was going too far. He was a good father damn it and no one could ever make him think otherwise. He stared down with his beautiful baby boy in his arms watching him sleep. He always thought that Blanket would grow up with no press and no drama in his life, but now he will be forever known as the son of a "crazy" father who dangled him from a balcony. Michael began to cry softly and placed Blanket in his crib, he sat on the bed for a new minutes listening to the faint sound of the T.V in the distance.

"Mr. Michael, you have to come see this!" Grace said sounding surprised. Michael came into the room expecting the worst.

"What is it, what's wrong?" He said looking around. Grace was holding her hand over her heart smiling wide; she said nothing only happily pointed to the t.v screen. Grace grabbed the remote to rewind the TiVo.

"It was amazing Mr. Michael you have to hear this." Grace said pressing play. Michael sat on the couch and watched as a woman stood at a podium answering questions, she pointing into a crowd of hands choosing the next person to ask a question.

"All right now watch this." Grace said happily. A young reporter with huge green eyes and black hair stood up.

"Hello, My name is Elisa Catani I am a reporter for the Sun Valley News. My question is, what is your opinion on the tabloids manipulating the situation?" She said firmly.

The woman at the podium seemed annoyed and confused. "I don't really understand your question." She said.

Elisa continued, "I am saying that the tabloids obviously manipulated the situation, anyone can see that from the video footage you just showed. The camera angels were off, and the footage was slowed down to make the dangling seem longer when in reality the incident could not have lasted more than a few seconds. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that it was a smart move for Mr. Jackson to have a baby in his arms as he leaned over a balcony but he was obviously gripping his child tightly. Doesn't ever parent make mistakes do you think that he deserves to lose his children."

Michael smiled at the ravened hair reporter. The camera's turned back to the woman at the podium who just stood in silence. Before she could say anything however, a large man came up to the podium and announced that the press conference was over.

Grace paused the TiVo and turned to Michael. "Now, you see not everyone thinks that you deserve to have your kids taken away." Michael said nothing. He was very intrigued by this reporter and admired her for being unbiased and fair.

He most definitely would be finding out more about Ms. Elisa Catani

Michael sat outside on his patio eating breakfast with his kids. Paris was making swirls in her oatmeal while Prince pretended his toast was an airplane. Usually Michael would be playing with his food right along with his kids but this morning was different. It had been a week since the "incident" and the press was hounded him more than usual.

He still felt that he did nothing wrong but of course to be accepted by the social norm he had to apologize. His people told the press that it was a "huge mistake" and he thanked god that no one filed charges or contacted social services. The last thing he needed right now was a stranger wondering around his house or asking his kids questions.

"Daddy you wanna play with me?" Prince said smiling up at him finally eating his toast. Michael smiled at Prince and launched a strawberry at him while he tried to attack him with his toast "airplane". Prince was about to attack his father with a strawberry when one of Michaels body guards came to the table with Grace.

"Mr. Jackson, we have the information you asked for." Michael thanked him and followed him inside. Grace took his place at the table and urged the kids to finish their breakfast.

Michael went into the library with his bodyguard and closed the door. "Tell me everything." Michael said eagerly.

The bodyguard opened a large yellow folder and took out a few papers. "Her name is Erica Catani, she is 31 and has been working at the Sun Valley Newspaper for about 7 months. She is an Italian American who is originally from New Jersey. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Journalism & International and Public Affairs." Michael nodded slowly looking down at his shoes. His body guard waited for a response, while trying to read his expression. He was like stone, he had no idea what he was thinking.

"Do you want more in-depth info? I can get her school transcripts, we can even get her driving records." Michael laughed at the suggestion.

"No Thank you, the info you gave me is fine. I don't want you to stalk her." The bodyguard nodded handed Michael the envelope and went back to patrolling the property.

Michael took the rest of the papers out of the envelope, there were a couple of clippings of her columns and even a copy of her diploma from Columbia. Michael smiled, because he had no idea how his people can get this info but he was sure glad they did. Ms. Elisa Catani had been on his mind since the press conference and he did not understand why.

He shuffled through the articles and noticed that one of them had a small photo of her in the corner. He stared deep into her beautiful eyes. She did not look 31, her olive skin and long raven colored hair made it hard for him to look away. Her eyes were the most enchanting color green which seemed to sparkle. They looked so innocent, like a child looking out at the world. That sparkle was hard to find, he usually only found it in the eyes of children.

She really did intrigue him, she was so firm and fair at the press conference. She spoke as if she was preaching not asking a question. He had never known of anyone in the press to publicly speak up for him and he most certainly was not going to take this lightly. He had to thank you somehow.

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Elisa finished her article much later than she expected it was 1 am when she finally decided that every coma and period was in its proper place. She wanted to make sure everything was perfect, no bias no judgment just news. She was unsure about how her boss would react to her writing, but she was not a gossip columnist like Anna she reported the news.

When she finally got into work she went straight to Gary's office. She placed the article on his desk and said good morning to get his attention. He turned in his chair and smiled before he picked up the article, however she quickly stopped him.

"Now before you read it let me just say that I am not Anna. This is a very delicate situation, and I treated it as such. I did not make it more "juicy" I merely did my job and reported the facts of what happened along with what happened at the press conference."

Gary's placed the article back down and began to slowly sway back and forth in his chair.
"That was quite a question you asked yesterday Elisa. The old bag did not even see it coming." Elisa did not know what to say she just sat in the chair in front of his desk and listened.

"You know I was shocked by what you said, but intrigued. All parents do make mistakes and the tabloids are manipulating the situation." Elisa smile only lasted a few seconds, it quickly disappeared as Gary continued. "However, this was not a regular parent this was Michael Jackson can you really blame the press for what they did." He said.

Elisa truly did not know how to answer. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean." She said confused. Gary finally stopped swaying his chair and leaned forward.

"The man is weird! He lives in a fantasy world. He thinks he is the modern day Peter Pan. Do you really think that the tabloids are going to be lenient with a star like that?"

Elisa knew that Michael Jackson was different, his talent seemed other worldly and his popularity was unmatched and universal. However she did not understand why that would make him a target or why the press could attack him because he was unique.

"Gary, I know that Michael Jackson is not the typical pop star. He is more than that, he is an icon. However, I truly don't understand why the press and tabloids think it's ok to taunt him and falsify the truth. I mean the truth itself was a great story. Michael Jackson made the mistake of leaning to far over a balcony with his child BUT suggesting that he wanted to kill his new born baby is malicious. There are a lot of eccentric celebrities out there, but none of them have a "kick me" sign on their back that he does. He always seems to be a target. As for yesterday I was just doing my job." Gary knew she was right, but he also knew that you had to go with the flow when it came to huge stories like this. He would not put his newspaper out there as the one that defended Michael Jackson.

"Alright you go get a cup of coffee or something while I read your article." Elisa left his office feeling extremely nervous. With a fresh cup of coffee in her hand she made her way to her cubicle. The nervous feeling she was experiencing quickly turned to nausea as she saw Anna waiting for her.

"Good morning Anne, How was your doctor's appointment?" Elisa asked setting down not making eye contact. Anna flipped her fake blonde hair over her shoulder and leaned against her desk.

"It was uneventful, yet I did see something interesting on T.V in the waiting room." Elisa hated when she tried to act sarcastic it only made her hate her more.

"I am assuming you are referring to the press conference." Elisa said dryly turning on her computer screen.

"Of course that's what I'm referring too. I have to stay you are not as smart as I thought you were. You were the only reporter there that seemed to be taking Jacko's side." Elisa stopped her before she could finish.

"Now you see that's where you are wrong. I did not take anyone side. A good reporter is unbiased and reports the facts." Anna just smiled and flipped her hair again.

"Honey this is Hollywood, you do not work for the New York Times. If you want to make it in this town let me give you some advice. Jump off your ivory tower and start swimming in the shark tank." Elisa just smiled and stood up again.

"Thanks for the advice." Her smile was so fake even Stevie Wonder could see it. Trying not to show her anger she walked back over to Gary's office. She knocked on the door frame to get his attention.

"Wow, I actually like it. Its unbiased and safe, so no matter how this turns out we won't be involved in any backlash." He said, Elisa walked in and sat down.

"Does that mean it's going to be printed tomorrow" she said hopefully. Gary nodded and handed it back to her.

"No, we will run it on Friday. I want the tabloids to write there side so we sound like the good guys. Take that copy over to one of the copy editors." Elisa was beyond words excited her first real story in LA and who knew it would be about Michael Jackson!

When she got home that evening she could not stop thinking about Michael Jackson. His music was ringing in her ears and of course every magazine had his picture on the cover. Every news stream seem to talking about the incident and every celebrity had their take on it. Cher was now making claims that she thought he was an unfit father and his kids should be taken away. "Yeah because Cher is freaking, Mother Teresa" Elisa thought out loud munching on chips. The story was truly everywhere and Elisa was tired of hearing it.

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Michael woke up Friday morning feeling anxious, he had been waking up every morning with butterflies in anticipation for Elisa article in the paper. Her article about the press conference had not been published yet and he was desperately wanted to read her take on the events.

When he went into his office that morning and shuffled through the numerous newspapers on his desk looking for her name. Her article was on the front page of the Sun Valley Newspaper with that picture that he loved to look at so much. The Incident Seen Around The World. Was the title of her article. He was very impressed by her writing ability.

True to her character she was unbiased and did not judge him. She used his real name not Wacko Jacko, and did not seem angry or outraged. Her writing was calm and neutral. He truly could not take it anymore he had to show his appreciation, he also had the strongest urge to meet her. He wanted to see if that sparkle in her eye was present in real life.

He wanted to see if she truly spoke with such passion or was it only when she was working. He needed to meet her, but how?

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Elisa carried a huge stack of newspapers as she made her way up to her apartment. Her mother wanted to send a copy to every person she knew and Elisa knew that going along with it was best, you can't argue with a proud Italian mother. When she reached her door she stopped died in her tracks, a huge bouquet of roses and lilies where on the floor in front of her door. Along with a huge jar of what looked like colorful chocolate candies. She opened the envelope that was tucked into the leaves and dropped everything she was carrying on the floor. The letter was hand written on Neverland stationary.

" Thank you for your professionalism and faith.
Enclosed is a jar of my favorite chocolates.
One piece of every kind word in your wonderful article."
- MJ

Elisa could not believe her eyes. Michael Jackson had just sent her flowers and chocolates! Her eyes were glued on his handwriting, she reread the note about 50 times before realizing that her purse and papers where all over the floor. She gathered up her things and went inside her apartment where she ate the wonderful chocolate and reread the note over and over again until she went to sleep.

The recording studio was always a place of refuge for Michael. It was the only place where he could truly relax. One day recording music could do what a week in Hawaii could do for others. He and his producer Teddy sat in the small room, bouncing ideas off each other. He was a genius when it came to creating beats, synthesizing sounds and creating music. He was usually very focused when it came to his craft but today he was haunted by raven colored hair and huge green eyes. Every time he closed his eyes to immerse himself in the beat, he would see Elisa's eyes sparkle. Michael had no idea he was daydreaming until he heard fingers snapping next to his ear.

"Hello Michael, you there?" Teddy said smiling. Michael smiled and turned off the beat that was playing.

"So what's your answer?" Michael looked confused. "I'm sorry, what?" He said.

"The BET Awards want you to present James Brown with the lifetime achievement award. They need an answer today." Teddy said. Michael giggled and smiled like a little kid in a candy store.

"Of course I will! This is fantastic! That man has influenced me more than any other artist. He is my idol!" Michael was so pleased, James Brown was the reason that Michael loved music. This was a dream come true.

"If you agree to this Michael, they are going to expect you to attend the after party. There will be press everywhere. Do you think you can handle it?" Teddy said playing a new beat. Michael had not thought out the press, they were still hounding him about what happened with Blanket. The worse part of the publicity storm had blown over but now it was time for the aftershocks. He hated being in the public eye but he was not going to miss the chance to honor his idol. Just as the beat changed his thoughts went back to Elisa, if he had to deal with the press that would at least be a good way to finally meet her.

"Do you know how much press will be there? Do newspapers cover these events?" Michael asked cautiously.

"I am not sure, I guess if BET sends them a press pass they can. As for how much press is going to be there, there will be plenty. So you still want to do it?" Teddy asked. Michael nodded leaning back in his chair feeling anxious. He did not usually get nervous, when Teddy told him what BET was planning for James Brown he was excited and already began to visualize what he would say to his idol. The prospect of finally meeting Elisa however made him feel nauseas. He had met presidents, prime ministers and CEO'S, none of them made him nervous. Yet, meeting a young reporter with beautiful eyes made his head spin. He needed to get some air and make a few phone calls. He had to make sure that she was there.

Elisa's 15 minutes of fame in the news room were over. The compliments had died down and everything went back to normal. Anna was the queen bee again, and everyone else reported their usual boring and mundane stories. Elisa was working on her article about the teachers union when Gary called her into his office. Anna smirk at her as she walked by making Elisa uneasy, she felt like she was back in high school being called into the principal's office. When she entered his office he asked her to close the door and sit down.

"Guess who I just got off the phone with." He said coolly. Elisa shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea." She said, honestly.

"I just got off the phone with Janice Roberts; she is a VP down at BET. They are doing a special tribute to James Brown this year at the BET Awards and want a lot of press to cover it. She specifically asked for you to represent our paper." Gary said excitedly. Elisa had no idea what to say. She was honored but also confused, why would they ask for her personally?

"Did Mrs. Roberts give a reason to why she wanted me to cover it?" She said curiously.

Gary looked confused. "Does it really matter? This is a really big break for us. They have sent us press passes to cover their press conferences and have given us clearance to be on the red carpet, but never have they given one of our journalists an all access pass. You have clearance to the entire event. You can be backstage; you can go to the after party. You can even meet James Brown!"

Elisa had no idea what to say, she just sat there smiling hysterically. She was not expected this when she walked into his office. She was going to be covering a true star studded Hollywood event. She was going to meet James Brown! Usually when she was given an assignment she began to think of questions to ask, and would began to mold the story in her mind. But now the only thing she could think of was what she was going to wear!

"I have to admit you have really been a huge asset to me these couple of weeks. You must have a guardian angel or something." He said jokingly. Elisa just continued to smile.

Elisa left work a little early that day to clear her head and to prepare for the awards. From the moment she walked out of Gary's office she felt Anna eyes burning the back of her head and could not take being stared at by her and the rest of her coworkers. When she got home she noticed 12 messages on her machine, she deleted them all knowing who they were from and picked up the phone.

"Finally you call me back, I was worried sick!" Elisa mom said on the other end. Elisa sighed and took off her shoes.

"Why would you be worried sick ma, I am at work." She said. Elisa could hear loud chattering and banging of pots and pans. "Ma, what are you doing?" She said moving the phone away from her ear.

"I am making lasagna with your aunt Sue, the whole family is here. I'll go into the other room, I can barely hear you" Elisa heard a door closing, the chattering was now faint.

"So ma, why did you leave me 12 messages?" Elisa said propping herself up on her couch.

"Is it a crime to want to speak to my child, I never hear from you anymore." Her accent was showing, so Elisa knew she was growing annoyed.

"Ma, I am working it's not like I'm avoiding you." Elisa said.

"Well, now that I finally have you on the phone. How are you? Any exciting news? Any men in your life"

"Nah, its just me, myself and I as usual. I do have some big news though. I was asked to cover the BET Awards." Elisa said waiting to hear one of her mom's famous shrieks. To her surprise her mother was silent.

"Ma, you there?" she said. "Yeah I'm here what is BET?" she said. Elisa smiled.

"It's a music award show ma, I get to go backstage and meet James Brown!" Elisa said giggling.

Her mother's silence was broken by a loud shriek and Elisa held the phone in front of her waiting for her mother's "oh my gods" to stop.

"Honey, you have to get your father an autograph. Oh my lord, what are you going to wear? What are you doing with your hair? Are you going to bring a date? This is so exciting, James Brown!" Elisa smiled and let her mother rant for a few minutes. It was rare for her mother to get so excited.

"I am not bringing a date and I don't know what I am going to wear yet. I have a few days to find something and I do live in L.A so finding a dress should be no problem." She said quickly before her mother could rant some more.

"Hey ma, I have another line. I'll call you later." Elisa lied, her mother wished her a good night and hung up. Elisa did not like speaking to her mother. Her mother was a complex woman that always had something negative to say and Elisa had learned at a very young age how to deal with her. She always kept their calls short, and always ended them on a happy note. Small talk did not work with her mother, she always seemed to bring up something that was either hurtful or rude so Elisa always made some excuses to hang up before the awkward silence occurred.

Elisa laid down on her cough and stared at the flowers that Michael had sent her. They were dried now but still made a beautiful center piece on her coffee table. She could still not believe that he sent her them. She could not believe that he would be so kind to someone he had never meant. She had always read that he was a kind and loving person, and she truly believed her was.

She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, the initial shock of her new assignment was wearing off and now her professional side was coming out. She began to think of what she would ask, how she would report the show and who she would meet. Just then she thought of something that made her jump up right and break into a cold sweat. What if Michael Jackson was there? What if she met him? What would she say to him?

Michael was back in the recording studio, this time he was alone. He had asked Teddy to do him a favor and he was waiting patiently to hear back from him. Michael always was a patient man, he never liked to push things he always just kind of stood back and let them unfold in his own image. This favor he asked from Teddy though was not something he was going to be patient with. He looked at the clock every few minutes and drowned himself in beats to pass the time. Finally, the door of the studio and Teddy walked in smiling.

"So? I take your smile as a good thing." He said. Teddy sat down in the chair opposite them and laughed.

"Have I ever let you down Mike? I spoke to Janice and she agreed." Michael had not been this happy or nervous in a long time. In a few day he would finally she the eyes that have been haunting him.