It’s All Maya!

Ever since Michael Jackson passed away on Thursday, people have been telling their stories about the time they met the controversial Pop Star, so I decided to add mine here as well. 

This was back in the early ’90s and I decided to go to WH Smith on the rue de Rivoli to buy a children’s book in English to send to one of my nieces.  As I started up the stairs to the first floor section (things were arranged differently then) I ran into a man who looked like a Secret Service agent.  He was tall, well-built and well-dressed.  He was standing there not looking at any books, just looking out of place. 

I didn’t think too much about it as I started moving about, looking at books here and there.  I then saw another man looking much like the first one and I thought, Hmm, that’s odd.  As I made my way toward the other room, I came upon a third gentleman who resembled his first two colleagues and I remember thinking, If someone wants to meet a tall, well-dressed, “body guard” looking guy, this is the place to be!  Who would have thought it?! 

I went to the children’s section and practically bumped into a guy in a military style red and gold jacket, wearing a black hat, and a black mask over his mouth.

“Oh my God!  You scared me!” I said.

“I’m sorry.” Michael answered, holding his mask.

“That’s okay.” I said, still confused. 

I must admit that it took me several seconds to realize it was Michael Jackson.  My first thought was, Who is this guy in a get up trying to look like Michael Jackson?!  Then it dawned on me!  Duh!  The three body guards!  It is Michael Jackson!

We were the only two people there, not counting his body guards.  I didn’t want to disturb him, so I got my book and went downstairs to pay and left.  I started walking toward the Place de la Concorde and continued walking up the Champs-Elysées. 

About two hours later, after spending time at Virgin and several boutiques, I was back on the avenue when I saw a beautiful silver-gray stretch limo.  It’s not often you see one in Paris; many of the smaller streets are just too small for such a car.  I kept looking at it and who should appear as I was about to walk by?!  None other than Michael Jackson! 

I was amazed!  There was a look of recognition like, Hmm, I’ve seen her before!  So I said, “Michael, are you following me?!”

“Uh,…uh, no!” he said, somewhat surprised.

“I didn’t think so.” I smiled and walked on, delighted that he was flustered.

Maya Muses:  That evening I was having dinner with friends and I told them my story.  “Didn’t you ask him for an autograph?!” Didier asked.  No, the thought never entered my mind.  I respected his privacy, and besides, I don’t think there is any person’s autograph that I would want.

Okay, if I think about it….I would have liked Mother Theresa’s autograph and Mahatma Gandhi’s and if I go further back in time, then Jesus’….hmm, maybe I should have asked the Dalai Lama’s for his!

Photo Credits:  Google Images