1984 – California
KIM
Such a shame our friendship had to end...
Prince Rogers Nelson – "Purple Rain", 1984
Since that dinner with Michael, I found myself drifting closer and closer to him. We never addressed that engagement once more, but Jackson felt miserable. We called more often. We laughed through the tears. Michael wouldn't pressure me for a relationship, either. We never decided to be physical as well. I valued his boundaries remained friendly. Despite ego on both sides, I knew better than to overstep. Michael would never look at me the same otherwise. I knew better time and time again.
Meanwhile, I'd flipped the channels at night once coming home from studio sessions. My eyes immediately noticed Prince and Brenda onscreen. Word of the engagement spread like wildfire and that rockstar bachelor finally settled down. I'd never seen Prince grin so widely before. Every photograph or footage clip exuded his joy with my old friend.
"He's my best friend. We've had ups and downs, but I've never ben this happy. Oh my God. He's just...the greatest." It wasn't long before Brenda finally addressed her relationship with P. Onscreen, Brenda sat right across from a television journalist. Palm trees swung gently in the background. My old friend opened or closed both hands. Her voice answered with delight. The diamond engagement ring sparkled without hesitation.
That trademark curly mane returned and swooped right across her forehead. Her smile proved almost infectious in one way or another. I completely understood that happiness again. Not even seconds later, footage of Prince and Brenda riding on his motorcycle together appeared. "Take Me With You" perfectly faded in to overlay.
"They're precious. Prince always talks about Mo (Brenda Hughes) and even writes songs about her. I'm so happy that he's finally found his peace with someone. He's needed real companionship for the longest time. And for us, we've just found another family member, y'know? Monty (Brenda Hughes) is like a sister now." Before long, the brilliant Shelia E. offered two cents.
Prince finally named his approaching motion picture. He and director Albert Magnoli titled this venture "Purple Rain." Skip even mailed me a tape of its theme song. The opening chords alone prompted me tear up a little. An extra note even mentioned that his father, John Nelson, crafted the musical arrangement. I'd never even consider touching that work of art for my own gain.
Unfortunately, Brenda wouldn't act alongside her fiancé. A woman named Patricia Ketero would play the love interest. When I finally noticed her picture, my jaw dropped. This woman was no Vanity, but still beautiful. While a pillow to my chest in the dark, I felt ugly out of nowhere.
Everything from the curves to that smile behind Prince bummed me out in one way or another. I didn't know what to think, but suddenly wallowed all over again. Maybe it was just recent events that troubled my heart, but my usually strong confidence almost plunged that evening.
For the first time in years anyway.
__
As if someone heard that pain, one more letter reached my 'doorstep." I'd planned to leave for another studio session earlier. Sitting on the couch, I opened that envelope and carefully read. Silence haunted me, but I concentrated anyhow. My eyes scanned every part, absorbing the heartfelt words. I lowered my eyes in one way or another. A lump even formed in my throat, but I wouldn't choke this time.
Keys,
Without you, I'd never have this film. Thank you so much for the music and memories. I know we've lost touch and moved on, but please remember how special you are. With or without me, you are the best. I will never forget you, Mama. Kim, please don't hesitate to call us whenever. You'll always have a place in our hearts. No matter what.
Sincerely,
-Skip.
I missed him. I missed him so much. Still, there was no way I'd dismiss the love he very much needed. After wiping away tears, I brushed myself and braved the world. My car cruised down the street as air breezed through my curls. I'd heal.. Somehow. Someday. There was no other choice. I refused to dwell on one person for the rest of my life. I refused to look pathetic anymore.
While tuning my favorite grand piano, the studio phone rang. Both engineers looked on with narrowed eyes and I first. I continued tuning, but watched as one of my boys picked up. The recording booth still creaked open just a little. As such, I could still hear other noise and subtly eavesdropped. The engineer in question mumbled into that receiver. I didn't know what to think as time moved along.
"Hello?" I questioned puzzled. On the other hand, I instantly reconized the voice and calmed down. Brenda croaked with her accent. I shook my head with a smile before settling in for a chat. I could only imagine what crossed her mind right now. I hadn't heard my girl since witnessing that gorgeous proposal at the restaurant. Regardless of Michael, that moment had been wonderful.
"Hey, Kay. How are you? Sorry to interrupt your day, but Prince and I wanted to ask something important. We need an answer as soon as possible." Brenda perked up her otherwise smoky voice. Once again, I didn't know what to think. Anything could've happened in these few moments.
"No problem. What's up?" I smiled once more.
"Would you tour with Prince this year?" Brenda almost laughed through her response.
I could've dropped the phone right now.
