TLWM: The Hate Experience

EPILOGUE

P.

I understand why you didn't want to hold a conversation with me on the phone. I'm still surprised you even called me back. Thank you for the minute you gave me because I really needed you to have these tapes.

I recorded the conversation because I know she can't be trusted. I didn't know what she was about to throw at me. This was my first time talking to her. Know that I went along with her plans but never truly intended to do anything for her. I would never betray you like that, no matter what hell we go through.

Please call me when you're done listening.

Love you,

Melody

Conversation #1 – Monday, 3/22/93

Melody: How did you get my number?

Raven: My father. Please just hear me out. I know you and P are not in a good place. I'm sure he's hurt you... I know what happened in '87, right before he met me. And I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Melody: What are you talking about, Raven?

Raven: I'm sorry about the baby.

Melody: (inaudible)

Raven: Melody? Is it okay if I call you that?

Melody: It's my name. Legally now.

Raven: Oh. Okay. Well... I know you hate me and I get it. I came into his life at a terrible time for you but I didn't know.

Melody: Your timing isn't my problem, Raven. It's your actions.

Raven: I don't know what he's told you but this is the perfect example as to why I want to share my story. I feel like everyone just has his version where I'm painted as a villain.

Melody: Why are you calling me again?

Raven: To ask if you're still willing to tell your story?

Melody: So I take it that your dad is still planning to talk.

Raven: Not exactly. No. This would be a much bigger platform. Do you still talk to Prince?

Melody: I do not.

Raven: You know we're not together anymore, right? All that crap on TV is for show.

Melody: Oh really?

Raven: Hm-hm. Girl... He has a fiancé. He just got engaged to our son's teacher. You wouldn't believe the shit I've been going through on this tour.

Melody: Try me. What's going on?

Raven: Well let me start with Christmas Eve in New York... No, actually, let me start back in September when I moved in with him...

...

Raven: ...and now I'm just over it.

Melody: Girl, that's insane. His little mean, moody ass.

Raven: Yes.

Melody: Phew.

Raven: This is why I said it's time for me to speak up and share my side of the story. But I don't wanna go on and just start talking. I wanna set up a good premise. This is where you and a few others come into play.

Melody: What you and your dad plotting now?

Raven: No, no. It's just me. My dad isn't on board with going public anymore. He claims he never was.

Melody: Then why did he call me?

Raven: I don't know. But I'm thinking... Last year, I was offered to go on Oprah with Prince but he didn't want to do it. But now, I'm ready just me. So I actually spoke to someone but they're hesitating because Prince doesn't want to participate. They want to give me a small segment but I want something more, like what she did with Michael. I don't want an interview in Chicago. I want her to come to me in New York. But I have to give them more than me. So I was thinking, you and a few others can interview in Chicago and tell your stories. Then Oprah's interview with me in New York can air the day after ya's.

Melody: Who is 'a few others'?

Raven: The idea is that Oprah interviews you all and then I come in to set the record straight. So you can tell your story about your relationship with P, Carter can tell about his and mine. Carter is my ex. We were dating when P came into Ace's life last year. And I think Nazim's mother will share her story. Maybe I can convince my dad to do it too. 

Melody: Let me get this straight. You want us all to go on Oprah and bash you just so you can turn around and tell your side of the story? You about to tell lies or do you expect us to?

Raven: No, no, no. I want you all to tell the truth, whatever your truth is from your perspective.

Melody: So you want to play victim?

Raven: No, Melody. I'm just giving Oprah what she wants.

Melody: Right...

Raven: Will you do it?

Melody: I'll think about it.

Conversation #2 – 3/23/93

Raven: I spoke to Oprah's team and they're on board. They're going to spin it a little and say they booked the interview with you all first and then offered me a chance to tell my side. They can do this all right after the tour. Can I give them your number?

Melody: Um...yeah.

Raven: You'll do it?

Melody: Yeah, yeah. I'll do it.

Conversation #3 – 4/18/93

Raven: The deal is off, for now at least. I can't do the interview after that press conference.

Melody: What was that all about anyway?

Raven: I told him about it and I guess he panicked. I didn't know he was going to do this.

Melody: So you're canceling? Are you sure?

Raven: I'm postponing. He's such a prick. He knew exactly what he was doing up there. There's no way I can go on now talking about everything. I'll just wait. He can't silence me forever...

END OF BOOK FOUR