1996
Rochelle Davis
"She's my best friend. We've known each other for such a long time, but the past few years have been quite strange. Honestly…if it wasn't for her….my heart can't even imagine what I'd do now. She makes it easier to talk to God." - The Artist reflects on his bond with Entertainment Journalist and wife Rochelle Davis (Oprah Winfrey Interview, 1996)
We won.
When Oprah visited Paisley Park, we felt so much better. No chaos. No fighting. I was still floating on Cloud Nine these days.
Emancipation" soon hit shelves like clockwork after "Chaos and Disorder." Two projects in one year. Two brilliant albums.
"Ro, we finished your jacket." My husband handed over this custom-made leather jacket from the wardrobe team and smiled.
"Oh! It's beautiful. Thank you." I raved, standing near more racks.
Dark and smooth fabric. His symbol etched in familiar gold on the back.
I was just about to slide my arms through alone when he offered to help.
"You're welcome. There we go." He whispered. "I love you."
"I love you, too." I told him, standing by one of the countless mirrors.
"Still up for the concert tonight?" He questioned me, having planned this album release show for "Emancipation."
"Of course! I'll even wear this." I made the promise with my new jacket, kissing his cheek and "aiming" to run off.
His boots clicked behind me regardless.
***
The show would air on television networks soon, but I still enjoyed every moment.
Free tickets. Eight songs. One remarkable celebration.
I even teared up when he first premiered "Betcha By Golly Wow" as a music video.
That original record by The Stylistics was actually one of my mother's favorites.
When my husband ended this show with an incredible performance for "One of Us," his second cover to acknowledge Joan Osborne, I simply ran out of Kleenex.
"Got me boo-hooing over your guitar again." I let my husband see remnants of mascara that just soaked everywhere.
"Oh no. C'mere." He pouted at me, ready for bed once folks left this place. There wasn't even an after-show scheduled right now.
"Here we go." I jokingly rolled my eyes towards the ceiling for a moment.
He stood in the mirror again and personally wiped smudges off of my face, leaving me bare in return.
"Look at you." He buried his own face toward my neck and ghosted kisses as we looked in the mirror together.
"What do you want?" I then laughed to myself.
"I think you already know." He teased, guiding us out of the bathroom.
***
That next day, I sadly woke up alone.
My man was outright gone, already rehearsing for concerts at this time. Upcoming shows were scheduled in Japan.
Seven gigs over the course of twelve days. For once, I dreaded our distance, knowing exactly what happened as tours kicked off.
YOU ARE READING
The Price of Fame || Prince/MJ
Fanfiction"Everyone has story, but what about mine?" - Rochelle Davis
