Author's Note: As a disclaimer, this chapter is 100% fictional and includes triggering themes.
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1984 – "Purple Rain" Movie Premiere
KIM
Baby, baby, baby.
It's you, said it's you, I truly adore.
Baby, baby, we're gonna work it out.
I hope our baby has eyes just like yours...
("Baby" by Prince Rogers Nelson, 1978)
Brenda miscarried her precious baby girl last night.
The entire band crammed into a private room of our hotel. We all prayed for Prince before walking into the limousines this evening. Before long, I rode into traffic with Shelia, Lisa and Wendy. Shelia and I squeezed palms, still lost. The driver never even played music up front. Through blurred vision, I stared down at the ruffles in my white blouse. Annoyed motorists blared horns. I could've cared less. Right now, Brenda probably strapped to all kinds of machines in the name of health and recovery. I could only imagine how Prince would brave this evening anyhow.
As soon as we reached our location, paparazzi already swarmed outside the door. "MTV" flocked to cover most of the showbiz havoc. Everyone from Stevie Nicks to Eddie Murphy arrived. Our limousine rolled up feet away from the red carpet on roadway and the driver parked, leaving us all in the silence of that vehicle. He soon turned around and quickly his head before exhaling. I understood the sadness in one way or another.
Even this morning, Prince debated showing up at all. His original plan involved escorting sweet Brenda on this same red carpet. His smile would've brightened the sun. Of course, his plans now changed completely. Brenda wouldn't discharge from the hospital in these next few days. Even family hurried to her side and bunked in the waiting room beyond visiting hours.
Now, Prince and his car parked in front of us. Out my left window, I immediately noticed when bodyguard Big Chick stepped out of our man of the hour. His side profile left me heartbroken. His gaze looked emotionless for once. It wasn't long before our driver finally escorted me and the girls out of this other limousine. We all marched into the theatre between the cries of energetic fans.
Seated between Prince and Shelia, I lost myself in the music and emotion. This entire film had been an exaggeration of Skip's life in one way or another. Regardless, I felt spellbound. While acting seemed campy at times, my eyes fixated throughout. Between scenes, Prince reached over to clasp my hand this time. For a moment, we could all forget about reality.
Brenda would've loved this project. I could only imagine that woman laughing beside her fiancé and pointing out foolishness or whatever else. By the time I reached the movie performance of "Purple Rain," I faced the ceiling with real tears. The theatre exploded with cheers. I turned face Skipper and he could only smirk toward me. Once again, I understood his pain in one way or another.
When the film truly ended with a rendition of "Baby I'm A Star," Skip turned his head to face the camera onscreen. Seconds later, we all stood to applaud. Prince faked one last smile and bowed for everyone. The lights clicked right back around, and he hugged me first. My purple-draped arms opened to welcome that needed embrace. After Skip finally pulled from me, his eyes appeared depressed once more.
I just knew that he wanted to visit New Jersey and see his strong fiancée, my old friend. Both Shelia and I held hands with Prince on either side. Big Chick and countless other bodyguards tailed right behind us as usual. Outside the theatre, pandemonium once again sparked. We all lowered heads and I led a hushed silent prayer with every step forward.
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When my bandmates and other celebrities flocked toward cameras and interviews, I lurked with Prince near private seating. We weren't back together of course, but Skipper simply requested companionship. I understood why given the circumstances. Music rumbled throughout this afterparty. Big Chick stood up against the nearest wall by us. Voices laughed close by, but I could not smile once more.
I held back an urge to light up a cigarette near Skip. Stress overwhelmed my heart as I watched that brief old flame. In that moment, Prince scooted close to hold my hand once more. It probably took everything Prince not to ditch the party and called up his girl. His best friend.
"Brenda would've loved to see you, Kim." Before I could turn away, Prince sniffled and noticed me. My heart shattered all over again. His voice somehow laughed between words. I almost dropped my jaw when he didn't say "Monty" for once. Soon, I realized the vulnerability of that usual playboy. Brenda Michelle meant the world to him. No pretense. No more games.
I simply nodded and touched our interlocked hands. Prince gladly kissed my cheek. I didn't even think of this moment as flirting. As I've said, Prince needed isolated companionship this evening. After whispering in my ear, Skip finally permitted me to leave his side. I wasn't even control. My heart glided toward him in one way or another throughout this time of grieving.
Brenda Michelle,
We've lost our angel this morning, but I will never stop loving you. I will think of our family while braving cameras of the world. We will get through this, darling. God has another plan for us. I will always have faith. Never stop believing in the fact that my love for you will never perish.
Without you, I am nothing.
-Prince
