The Price of Fame || Chapter 39

29 1 14
                                    

1994

Rochelle Davis

"Letterman" pissed us off!

Jokes revolved around my husband's name change throughout this broadcast.

Once NPG had ended that otherwise beautiful performance of "Dolphin," I just wanted to go home. Enough was enough.

My husband faked this gunshot as music faded and dropped into Mayte's sleeved arms, quelling him near dramatic "sleep" before one guard soon dragged him away.

Later that night, we left that building, security packed our luggage, and he took a long but much-needed shower. Both of us were still trying to settle down at this point.

By the time he walked out of that bathroom, his cheek looked damp, but  "SLAVE" was gone. Not even smeared.

"Hi." He was standing in the mirror with a towel looped around his waist.
 
"Where should we go?" I asked, noticing how gentle he was now.  

"Home." He kissed me and I knew exactly what this meant.

My family.

______

No Hollywood cameras. No drama. Only peace and joy.

I've never heard him laugh this much, either.

Our Christmas tree towered in the living room after everyone opened presents.

My husband simply looked on, holding hands with me every time someone cheered.

When Mom and Dad handed over one gift to me, my husband's eyes suddenly lit up.

Even my sister couldn't help smiling.

"What did ya'll do?" I questioned, unwrapping this gift and looking around.

Everyone shrugged in return and my husband just cackled out loud.

"What?" He whispered before I quickly froze and realized what my family had purchased.

Roller Skates. Pink Roller Skates!

The same color as my childhood ballerina slippers.

Before meeting my wonderful husband, I'd given up both sets of footwear for extra cash.

Tears of joy streamed down my face and I cornered the box, hugging my parents.

My sister and husband blinked towards the Christmas tree, quietly overwhelmed, too.

***

"By Spring, you can skate outside at Paisley Park forever." My husband smiled, watching the ceiling as snow fell beyond this bedroom window.

"Used to skate years ago, but I only gave up that hobby since money was tight." I sighed, thinking of the past.

"Not anymore." My own husband gently vowed. "Anything you want, I'll do it."

"Thank you." I accepted that promise and continued trusting him. My best friend.

***

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