sǝlɔᴉuoɹɥƆ

Finally Understanding

Chapter Fourteen

Chanhassen, MN

When I land in Chanhassen, a chill greets me as I step off the plane, the cold winter air biting against my skin. A rental car is waiting for me at the bottom of the ramp, just as I requested. The sky is overcast, with a light dusting of snow covering the ground, creating a serene, almost magical landscape.

Jene, the head of airport security, approaches with a warm smile. "Here are your keys, Miss Jackson. It's lovely to see you," she says, handing me the keys with a grin that reflects the genuine friendliness I've come to appreciate in this small town.

"Thank you, J. Ditto," I reply, returning her smile as I take the keys. "Don't work too hard now."

"You know how it can be. Sometimes I feel like I live here," she says, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

I laugh as I get into the car, the familiar interior offering a sense of comfort. I put on my sunglasses and seatbelt, adjusting the seat slightly before starting the engine. With a wave goodbye to Jene, I pull out of the airport, the sound of tires crunching on the snow-covered road echoing in the crisp air.

The drive to Paisley Park is a quiet one, the hour passing by as I listen to Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic. The familiar beats and melodies fill the car, creating a calming atmosphere as I navigate the winding roads. The landscape is a blur of white and gray, with the occasional farmhouse or barn breaking the monotony.

As I approach the gates of Paisley Park, I enter the code and watch as they swing open, welcoming me back to the place that feels like a second home. The massive structure looms ahead, its unique architecture standing out against the wintry backdrop. I park next to Prince's custom-made motorcycle, the sleek black machine glistening with a thin layer of frost.

When I step out of the car, the cold air hits me again, but the sight of Prince standing at the front entrance, looking intensely at me, warms me from the inside.

"You didn't have to drive yourself here. I could have come to get you," he says, coming down the steps to meet me.

I rush to him, pulling him into a tight hug, feeling the tension in my body melt away as his familiar scent surrounds me. "I wanted to surprise you," I whisper, holding him close.

He buries his face in my neck, sighing contentedly. "You succeeded. I missed you, Bianca."

"I missed you too, Spud. A lot," I reply, letting the warmth of his embrace soothe my soul.

He pulls back slightly, a giddy smile spreading across his face. "Come on. We're working on some new songs I want you to hear."

"We?" I ask, curious as we walk into the building, the warmth inside instantly chasing away the cold that clung to my skin.

Just as he's about to answer, one of the studio doors opens, and I hear a familiar voice. "Little brother?"

I turn to see Larry Graham, the legendary bassist from Sly and the Family Stone, standing there with a knowing smile.

"Well, if it isn't Larry Graham of Graham Central Station," I say, trying to mask my surprise.

Prince grins, his playful side taking over. "Look who's here, Larry. Miss thang has decided to grace us with her presence," he says in his annoying but endearing pimp voice.

Larry rubs his chin, looking me over critically. It's been a long time since I've felt someone scrutinize me like this. It's almost like being back in the early days after we left the church of Jehovah. That familiar feeling of being judged settles over me.