PRT 340- “Secure”

OK, so you’re probably wondering exactly what the deal is with Rocky and I and what happened on that night we met. I didn’t cheat on RJ. Not exactly. It’s complicated. Stick with me here and I promise you’ll find out soon enough.

It was night on the same day the rumors broke and I was a mess. RJ had told me he’d be staying at JKP’s loft that night because “it was really busy and there’s a lot of work to be done for close tonight.” I suspected he was upset about the rumors however. He said he believed me but I wasn’t entirely sure.

I had enough for one day and I went to get in bed. I curled up and cried. I had no idea how this got so big so fast. Rumors had circulated before, but this one had spread like wildfire. It was like people had just been waiting for me to make another mistake.

I heard my front door open. Who had a key? RJ?

I looked up and saw Mina standing in the doorway of my bedroom.

“Girl, are you ok?” Mina asked.

“No.” I said as I continued to cry.

“Oh Honey…” Mina said as she got in bed next to me and wrapped her arms around me from behind. I wrapped my arms around hers and cried harder.

“I can’t lose RJ.” I sobbed.

“I know…I know.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

“What exactly did happen? Eddie is flat out denying the rumors but you haven’t.”

“I can’t.”

“Are they true?”

“Not exactly.”

“Mich, talk to me. What happened?”

“You can’t tell anyone.”

“Of course not.”

“It wasn’t Eddie I was photographed with. It looked like him and since we were doing the movie the press jumped on it. If I had to guess the studio sold us out and had something to do with it.”

“OK, so Eddie isn’t involved. Who was that?”

“Rocky.”

“Rocky?!”

“Yeah.”

“You cheated with Rocky?”

I shook my head, “No, not exactly. That so-called kiss was a kiss on the cheek and while we did go to a hotel room we didn’t sleep together.”

“Ok, whoa lady. Why did you meet with Rocky in the first place?”

“I lost Aubrey, I felt RJ distancing himself from me, and I had just become Sailor Saturn. It was just too much for me. I needed to feel safe and Rocky has always been my rock, no pun intended. I called him and we met for dinner. It was more romantic than it should have been and then we got a hotel. I did intend on sleeping with him but we didn’t. We did kiss but Rocky stopped it before it went further. He said he couldn’t take advantage of me. He held me for a while so I guess we were there three hours or so like the story says…then we left. That was it. It was a one time thing and really, very little happened.”

“Oh sweetie…that makes so much sense. I understand.”

“I never meant for this mess to happen and I certainly didn’t mean to drag Eddie into in.”

“And of course the press doesn’t know about Aubrey or the Sailor Saturn thing so they have no idea what you’re actually dealing with.”

“Right.”

“Mich, I’m so sorry.”

“Me too.”

“It’s been a rough day. You should get some sleep. I’ll stay with you.”

I nodded and closed my eyes, “Thank you Mina.”

“That’s what best friends are for.”

The next day I felt much better. I knew things would be crazy but I was ready to go on living life. I’d had my day of pity and that was enough. Mina and I had breakfast then we headed to the studio to work. There was a whole group of press outside the studio. I just walked in without a word. The press shouted out questions and I kept walking. We got in the studio and met up with Serena and Raye, who were waiting for us.

“Are you ok?” Serena asked.

I nodded, “I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

“We need to consider getting security on you.” Raye said.

Mina nodded, “Raye’s right. It’s a madhouse out there. I know you put your security on standby because you don’t like having them hover but honestly, I think you need them now.”

“With Nemesis on the loose?” I asked..

“Mich, it’s not like you can transform in front of the press anyway.” Raye said.

I sighed, “No, but I need security that can cover. I’ll call Ty back.”

“Ty is great, but he’s not enough. You need more.”

“You think Jason would do it? He’s part of the Angel Grove PD. He’s trained to protect.”

“Probably…but Mich, you need a full time security team right now. I was thinking like four or five full time guards.”

“Oh for Pete’s sake.”

“Mich, I know this is a pain but you need security.” Mina said.

I sighed, “A team of ex-Rangers would be best. I wonder if anyone is looking for a job..”

“We’ll work on recording, you sit down and make a list of potential security.” Raye said.

“Fine, fine.”

I sat down at a table and started making a list of all past Rangers and what they were doing now:

Jason- Angel Grove PD (Full time job)

Zack- choreographer (full time job)

Billy- Still on Aquitar

Kim- In Florida teaching gymnastics (full time job)

Trini- RIP

Tommy- In Florida with Kim teaching or something

Rocky-Dojo instructor (obviously no)

Adam-Dojo instructor/medical student (two full time jobs)

Aisha- Still in Africa doing I don’t know what

Kat- Teaching dance (full time job)

Justin- I have no idea

Carlos-

OK this was going to too long. I needed to just write possible candidates.

Jason (Probably not but maybe)

Eric Myers- (Silver Guardian. Doubtful, but qualified)

Kelsey Winslow- (Possibly, not sure what she’s doing)

Merrick Baliton- (Not sure he can handle crowds)

Hunter Bradley- (Sigh, I wish)

Tyzonn- (head of security)

Wow. Ok so it was good all the ex-Rangers had their own lives but I needed security that knew who I was. I was so frustrated at this point I was ready to cry. I went into the sound booth.

“I can’t do this.” I said.

“Mich, calm down hun.” Serena said.

“This is too much.. I’ve had it.”

“Michelle, in all the years we’ve known you I’ve never seen you react this way to rumors and celebrity stress. What is going on?” Raye asked.

“I just can’t take it anymore Raye. It’s too much.”

“Mich, it’ll be ok. Listen, Ty is your head of security and he’s good. Last I checked Jen Collins wasn’t doing anything much. She’d make a great security guard. Taylor would be good as well. I’m sure she could take a leave for a bit. And I think we should probably call Jason. He’d want to be involved. How about I make some calls and you go to the break room and get a snack and breathe?” Mina said.

I nodded, “Ok. Fine.”

Raye

~~~~

When Michelle was gone I looked at Serena and Mina.

“Guys, I’m seriously worried about Mich.” I said.

“Me too. She’s on the edge of a breakdown.” Serena said.

“She’ll be fine. She just needs some time.” Mina said.

“Yeah, time the vultures won’t give her.” I said.

Mina sighed, “I know.”

“What do we do?” Serena asked.

“Get her security. I’m gonna make some calls.” Mina said as she left the room.

“I’m worried Raye.”

I nodded, “So am I Serena…but there really isn’t much we can do.”

“Do you think the rumors are true?”

“Of course not Serena! Michelle wouldn’t cheat on RJ…she just wouldn’t.”

“Do you think RJ will leave her over this?”

I sighed, “I hope not. I’m not sure how much more the poor girl can take.”

“We should probably get to work.”

“Yeah. You go in and work on your bass part. I’ll work the board.”

Mina

~~~~

“Thanks Jase.” I said.

“No problem. Mich is like a sister to me. Tommy can’t be here to protect her right now so it’s my job. I’m just sorry it got so bad so quickly.” He said.

“I know. It’s really bad actually.”

“I’ll speak to my chief and get some leave so I can guard her for awhile.”

“That’s awesome. You’re amazing.”

“See you soon Mina.”

“See ya.”

I hung up. That was the last one. Everyone had agreed and I expected they’d be with us soon.

After I had security lined up I called Rocky.

“Hello?”

“Hey Rock, it’s Mina..”

“Min, hey. What’s up?”

“Mich told me everything.”

“She did?”

“Yeah. I know it was you and not Eddie in that picture and I also know how innocent it all was.”

“It wasn’t completely innocent, but yes, it isn’t as bad as it seems.”

“Right.”

“How is Michelle doing?”

I sighed, “Not well Rock. She’s a mess. Security is on the way so she’ll be physically safe…but mentally and emotionally are two other matters entirely. I’m concerned for her well being.”

“I never meant for this to happen.”

“I know you didn’t.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Yeah, stay far, far away from Michelle. If she calls you hang up, if you see her turn the other way. You have got to distance yourself from her so she can recover and this can die down.”

“Whoa, Michelle is one of my best friends and you expect me to just turn my back on her?”

“She’s your ex-girlfriend that you still have feelings for. You can’t continue to be her ‘rock’. You’re both adults and she’s married. Time for you both to move on.”

“Fine. If you really think it will help Mich.”

“I do.”

“Ok, fine. I’ll stay away.”

“Thank you.” I said as I hung up.

Michelle had always run this band and company…but she couldn’t right now so it was time for me to step up and take charge. If we were going to get this next album out without our lead singer having a melt down I needed to make sure everything stayed in control.

Michelle

~~~~~~~

I was sitting in the break room thinking when someone else walked in.

“Hi..” She said.

“Hi.” I said.

“You’re Michelle Morris aren’t you?” she asked.

I nodded, “Yeah, so they say.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mia Blackwood.”

“Mia Blackwood? You’re that new singer…the one Jess is managing…”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“I’ve heard your single. Good stuff. You have talent…but if I were you I’d stay away from Jess.”

“Jess isn’t so bad. I like her alright.”

“Give it time.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“So, what brings you to the studio?”

“Re-mixing some tracks for a single release. At least that was the plan but it’s hard to work with all the press lurking out there.”

I sighed, “I’m sorry, that’s my fault.”

“I saw the headlines. Is it true? Oh, I’m sorry, I guess that’s none of my business…”

“It’s ok. Everyone wants to know. And no, I didn’t cheat on RJ with Eddie.”

“I’m sure it’ll die down soon.”

“I hope so. It’s insanity.”

“Guess that’s why Britney calls it a circus.”

I laughed, “It certainly feels like one…and I feel like a caged animal.”

“Listen, I really need to get back to work but if you ever wanna talk or hang out or whatever give me a call. I might be new to fame but I understand feeling overwhelmed very well. Here’s my cell number. Call me anytime.”

“Thanks Mia. I really appreciate that…and it’s really nice to have met you.”

“You too. Later.” Mia said as she took off.

A few minutes later Mina walked in with Jen, Jason, Taylor, and Ty.

“Jase!” I cried.

“Oh Mich…come here.” He said as he hugged me tight.

I cried, “I’m so glad to see you.”

“It’ll be ok Mich.”

“We’re here to protect you.” Jen said.

“Thank you.” I whispered.

“Michelle, you should have called me sooner.” Ty said.

“There’s nothing you could have done.”

“I’m your head of security! I could have shielded you from some of this insanity.”

“Ok, good point.”

“It’s ok. We’re here now and not one of those vultures will get near you.” Taylor said.

“That’s right. Team Bodyguard is taking a stand.” Jason joked.

“Thank you so much. I’m so happy to see all of you.”

“And now that you have security I think you should get out of here. Work can wait. Take a personal day.” Mina said.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yeah, I got it covered here. The girls and I will do some recording and you can do the vocals later. Go to Starbucks or something.”

“Hmm…ok. You guys mind if we get out? It will be crazy.”

“That’s why we’re here.” Jen said.

“OK, let’s go!”

We walked out of the studio and press was waiting for me.

“OK, form a perimeter.” Jen commanded as each of the four covered me from one corner.

“Move, move, move.” Jason said as they rushed me to my car.. We got in and headed off.

“You guys are great!” I said.

“So, where to?” Taylor asked.

“Starbucks does sound good.”

“Ok, then let’s do it.”

We got to the Starbucks and headed in. The press tried to pounce but my security kept me safe. I ordered my drink then sat down in the corner. Taylor waited for my drink while the others positioned themselves around me.

“Kinda crazy.” A voice said.

“Ronny, hey.” Ty said.

“Ty, what are you doing here?” she asked hugging him.

“I’m Michelle’s head of security.”

She rolled her eyes, “You could come work for me.”

“Maybe someday.”

“I guess Michelle is more controversial and needs more protecting.”

“Ronny, what do you want?” I asked.

“Just came to get a coffee. I am glad to run into you though. I wanted to give you fair warning, if you’re thinking of cheating with Hunter next forget it.”

“Oh give me a break. I didn’t cheat on RJ!” I cried.

“Ronny, I parked over by…oh…hi.” Hunter said walking in.

“Hi.” I mumbled.

“I saw the news. How are you doing?”

“Not good. It’s not true you know.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“We should go babe. We don’t want to get dragged into this drama.” Ronny said.

“Ok…take care Mich.” Hunter said as he walked away with Ronny.

“Can I kill myself now?” I mumbled.

“Mich, don’t talk that way.” Jason said as he put his arm around me.

“I wanna go home. Like, now.”

“Ok, let’s get you home. It’s crazy out there now. Let’s get you in the backseat and I’ll drive.” Jen said.

“Sounds good.” I agreed.

Mina

~~~~

After Michelle was gone I went back in the studio.

“OK, let’s get some tracks laid.” I said.

“Is Mich ok?” Serena asked.

“She’ll be fine. She has security and they’ll keep her safe. I sent her home for the rest of the day.”

“Good idea. We can do this without her for now.” Raye said.

I nodded, “Let’s lay the rest of this song then we’ll plan out promotion for your solo albums.”

“Isn’t that Mich’s job?”

“Michelle doesn’t need to worry about the album or Starlight business right now. I’m second-in-command. I’m stepping up to run things. This is the last thing Michelle needs right now.”

Raye nodded, “You’re right. Ok, let’s get to work.”

I felt bad taking charge without Michelle’s consent…but she’d never consent and it needed to be done.

Michelle

~~~~~~~

We got back to the apartment and I told my security I needed some alone time. They chilled in the living room while I went to my room. I picked up my cell phone and dialed Rocky’s work number.

“Blue Dragon Dojo, Rocky speaking.”

“Rock, thank god.”

“Mich?”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry, I can’t talk now. I gotta go. Bye.”

“Wait! Rocky, what’s wrong? I need a friend. You said I could call anytime.”

“I know but you can’t. Don’t call me.”

“Is this because of the press? Are they bugging you?”

“No, they don’t know it was me still.”

“Ok, then what? You hate me or something?”

“What? Mich, I could never, ever hate you.”

“Then why are you trying to hang up on me.”

“It’s the best thing. If I would have stayed away in the first place this never would have happened.”

“What? You can’t believe that. You’ve always been my rock.”

“I know, but Mina called and she made a good point. You’re famous and if you get recognized then…”

“Whoa, whoa…Mina called? That’s where this is coming from? What did she say?”

“She told me to stay away from you.”

“She what?! Oh hell. Rocky, don’t you listen to her. You’re my friend and I need you.”

“No, you need to stay away from me Mich. Seriously. Maybe not forever, but for now. You have other friends and I think right now you need to turn to them. Take care.” He said hanging up.

I sighed, this was getting better and better.

What the hell was going on?! Why was this happening to me?! I really had had just about enough…but I had a horrible feeling this mess was just getting started.