1997
Mayte Garcia
There was no official statement issued about the divorce. At least not yet.
Still, news outlets dropped an absolute surprise out of nowhere:
MTV host Bill Bellamy would interview Rochelle before long.
Meanwhile, her ex-husband wanted to reschedule future plans and see this broadcast up front. No recorded tapes.
_____
It happened.
After attending NAACP Awards, we both came back to Paisley Park and settled right in, watching this exclusive televised special.
Footage showed Bill Bellamy speaking with excitement in a broadcast studio. Two distant chairs were placed behind him.
"Hey! Welcome back to MTV. I'm Bill Bellamy. It's been a long day at the network, but she's finally here, as promised. In a few minutes, I'll sit down with Entertainment Journalist Rochelle Davis."
When Bill announced Rochelle's name onscreen, I almost cheered to myself.
Meanwhile, The Artist was silent while sitting next to me.
After one commercial break, it was time. He even sat up straight when MTV's logo flashed again. I wanted to hold his hand.
Instead, he was stone-faced and nearly hypnotized, just waiting for the exact moment that Rochelle appeared on camera.
He got that wish seconds later.
Rochelle had entered and opened both arms to give Bill a kind hug before sitting down in the empty chair found nearby.
Updo Locs. Dark lip liner. Small black earrings. She kept the hoop nose ring too. All of her jewelry beamed through lights.
Rochelle's main outfit also drove me wild.
High-neck sleeveless top. Dark jeans. Sleek leather boots.
No rings were seen on those perfectly manicured nails as this woman beamed, ready for anything.
After they laughed together and these two exchanged pleasantries onscreen, it was time for the real show to play out.
Bill Bellamy: "Your latest review talked about Michael Jackson's HIStory Tour. How was the show?"
Rochelle Davis: "Awesome. Two hours of absolute talent. No gimmicks. His classic dancing. Positive messages. The list goes on. Michael's still one of my all-time favorite performers. Hands down."
Bill Bellamy laughing: "Did Michael sign your copy of the album yet?"
Rochelle Davis smiles: "No need for autographs. We've known each other for years already, so it's really easy to support one another and his music will always be top-notch."
Bill Bellamy: "Okay. I need to ask: "What's one of the best albums you've reviewed so far this year?"
Rochelle Davis: "Velvet Rope. Love you Janet!"
Rochelle raved over Janet Jackson and other famous people on camera as Bill continued this light-hearted discussion
During another commercial break, I turned my head to see The Artist looking somewhere else. He just focused.
"Are you all right?" I questioned him gently, but we still couldn't hold hands.
He still wouldn't answer me at this point.
Between the dark lights around us, there was a notebook in his lap. I couldn't even read his scribbled handwriting up close.
**
This program came back minutes later and Bill caught viewers up. Rochelle still grinned toward the camera while sitting nearby.
Bill Bellamy: "Last question of the hour: Where could we see you again?"
Rochelle Davis: "Anywhere I want."
***
Even when The Artist rehearsed for "Jam Of The Year" with NPG again, I still knew that Rochelle's interview had surprised him.
For the first time since Rochelle left Paisley Park, she looked happy without marriage.
No drama. No truly personal questions. Bill didn't even mention her recent divorce.
That interview only promoted music and joy.
___
Sleepless one night on the road, I flipped through random channels and found Rochelle guest-hosting "Planet Groove" on B.E.T.
The hotel room's phone rang unexpectedly, but I still picked up that call.
"Hello?" I squinted, definitely confused by whoever called.
"It's me." Him. For some reason, he called my phone instead of walking down the hallway past a few doors.
"Yeah. Hey. What's wrong?" I asked, trying to whisper and still hear the television show.
"I can't sleep and a recording studio isn't close to this hotel. What are you doing now?" His low voice answered on the other line.
"Watching TV." I said, glancing between the television and moonlight out this window.
"What channel?" He asked.
Shit! I thought to myself.
Ose
"B.E.T." I told the truth. There was no reason to lie with him anymore.
"Cool." He was changing the program that aired. His background noise during this phone call warned.
My heart sank.
"Oh." He says. "She's interviewing Chico Debarge." He mentioned Rochelle's footage. Meanwhile, Chico had released new music after five extremely dark years.
"You don't sound too happy." I sucked my teeth and almost cringed.
"It's complicated. I...uh...let's just say that I wasn't the best man when Ro used to hang out with those guys." He offered more questions than answers this time around.
"I hate to ask, but are you jealous?" I couldn't avoid this elephant in the room.
"I was jealous of other men being around Rochelle. Still don't know why, but El always pissed me off the most." He revealed his truth.
"Do you still feel that way?" My heart dropped asking this question.
"I spent almost fifteen years with Ro. Can't help feeling protective. Understand?" He explained more. I sighed.
*****
By the end of his show in Los Angeles that following night, chaos erupted.
An after-show didn't happen tonight, but we still needed popcorn.
"I'm just here for work." Rochelle put her foot down, echoing this well-known voice right in the hallway.
She must've scored concert tickets without telling anyone.
"All right, but baby..." Her ex-husband slipped that nickname and his own response almost trembled.
"What?" Rochelle seemed annoyed.
"I'm sorry. About everything. Just hear me out. Please?" His voice almost whispered.
"Too late." Rochelle clicked her heels away, breaking hearts all over again.
YOU ARE READING
The Price of Fame || Prince/MJ
Fanfiction"Everyone has story, but what about mine?" - Rochelle Davis
