1984 – "Victory" Tour
MICHAEL
Darken days, go away.
The nights are bright, dream and stay.
As i dream loving you.
Your touch, your heart, your warmth.
Please come true....
("Push Me Away" by The Jacksons, 1978)
A great show ended. Marlon spent time with his family back at the hotel. When the kids finally slept, and Carol stayed with Marlon for the night, I paced the floor of my own room. My other brothers painted the town red as if these fellas never married or gained relationships all along. While flipping through channels once more, my eyes noticed another entertainment station. My jaw dropped watching the screen.
Footage of Brenda and Prince dancing onstage together caught me off guard for once. Between the spotlights, the engaged couple beamed perfect smiles. Yet, I noticed something quite unusual. Brenda sported this bustier, but her toned stomach bruised with scars I'd never seen before. In that moment, I only saw red.
Brenda wasn't even mine, but I couldn't help feeling livid right now. Violence in "Purple Rain" had been fictional, but my heart looked beyond a camera lens. Given how Prince always brainwashed women in one way or another, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if this man applied the unthinkable in private. I've never felt so upset in my life. Brenda deserved love, not control.
Now, that concert footage spiraled out of view and replaced with behind the scenes material. Shelia E and others quickly grinned while yelling to cameras about this pair. Regardless, I still fumed about that possible violence. I nearly teared up when Prince walked hand in hand with Brenda onscreen.
Prince stopped for a moment to place both hands on her marked stomach. My musical rival even knelt for kisses. Meanwhile, Brenda rocked a crop top and blushed to cheek to cheek. Her curly mane drooped down while facing that fiancé in one way or another. I could've punch a wall right now. My mind raced with countless possibilities.
"If you don't like...the world you're living in..." Before long, Kim appeared onscreen. This time, Kay and Brenda swayed together as Prince rehearsed "Let's Go Crazy." Brenda stuck out of her tongue and slapped a tambourine to the rumbling music. I rolled my eyes, but smiled while observing. Still, the rage within me persisted. I couldn't help thinking back to the scarring on Brenda's poor stomach. For the millionth time, I couldn't help wanting to confront Prince. If my predictions proved correct, he should've been jailed. Career or not.
It wasn't long before footage returned to the entertainment program studio. I couldn't take watching any more and turned off the television. Draped in silence, I turned my head to see a picture of Kay and I placed on the nightstand once again. This time, Kim visited me in the studio. I'd created this record called "For All Time." Unfortunately, the song didn't reach that official track list.
In the picture, I draped one arm around her shoulder while sporting Aviators. The dark shade appeared on her juicy lips when this woman didn't smile. Of course, I respectfully fought any desire that coursed throughout my body that night. As explained countless times, I would never act like Prince and disrespect folks, especially women. Regardless, we paired brilliantly for one more good-looking snapshot. Almost sexy. Regardless, I honestly believed that we should've paired together now.
If you feel alone, I'll be your shoulder.
With a tender touch, you know me so well.
Somebody once said, it's the soul that matters.
Baby, who can really tell when two hearts belong so well...
("For All Time" by Michael Jackson, 1982)
It took everything in me not to fly out of here and see Kay in person. I'd tour with my brothers until the end of this year. in one way or another, my heart still couldn't stand that idea. But again, I wouldn't back out. Right now, I imagined Kay jamming onstage with her own bandmates. Still, my heart broke once more. A negative piece of myself still believed that the relationship would never work out. Still, my heart wouldn't give up for the millionth time.
One of the personal assistants even mailed the letter I'd written for Kay not too long ago. Only a wink from him assured that the mail transferred properly. I could smile throughout the night while dancing onstage. Even now, my thoughts dreamed of Kay's reaction. Hopefully, this woman wouldn't hate me and seeing the message. At least I voiced these emotions. Once again, I wrote down another slew of feelings to cope with this separation in one way or another.
Kay,
Hey, it's me again. Hope you're well. Please enjoy the stage regardless of location. We've bickered over Prince countless times, but I know this is a dream come true for you. When you finally return to California, I'll be waiting. If given a real chance, I'll belong to you and no one else.
Right now, I lie awake thinking of you, baby. Resting my head on your chest would bring me peace. Even without making love, I'd feel intoxicated by you. The stare of your brown eyes melts me into nothing. I haven't felt this captivated by someone in years. Everyone else I loved shattered my heart. But with you, I still feel hopeful. Please come back to me, girl. I can't wait like this anymore.
I miss you so much.
-Mike
