1985 - "American Music Awards"
KIM
1984
Kimberly,
I don't want to scare you away at all, but you're all I think about. I can't even perform onstage without closing my eyes and viewing your smile. I want to make you happy. I want to BE happy again. I don't trust many anymore, but I can see myself with you. I could wake up every day to that beautiful face and never grow weary. You're precious in a world full of self-centered people. I've done wrong, and for that I apologize. But you've now become my weakness. Please give me a chance. Even though I'm still disappointed by heartache, my soul can only heal because of you.
Baby, I promise that we can be something special. I will never let you down.
I want you.
I need you.
I crave you.
I love you.
-Michael.
"For all of us, life is death without adventure. Adventure only comes to those who are willing to be daring and take chances." Prince uttered through his low voice at this point. I clustered with the band onstage one last time. Vanity and fellow band Nightranger presented us with the final award. The audience cheered time and time again. Cameras somehow dodged views of me as I stood together with my musical family. Like everyone else, I still draped in purple, though. These curls now tied back, but some of the extra hair drooped to nearly cover my right eye.
As always, Lisa and Wendy stood on either of Prince at the front. I turned to face Mark and we bumped fists. Earlier that night, Prince tore down this place with a rendition of "Purple Rain." Even Cyndi Lauper jumped up from her seat with praise. We'd taken over the world at this point. Only Michael and his pandemonium seemed to rival us in one way or another. I could've popped my collar time and time again by now. I wasn't always egotistical, but the recognition felt good.
From across this stage, Brenda applauded for us with the biggest smile. This woman stood out from the rest of us by sporting one of those trademark black dresses. That curly mane swooped over her forehead as usual. Brenda pronounced that familiar accent throughout her joyful response.
I laughed to myself when this woman finally sat back down. It wasn't long before Prince ended his speech and we all headed backstage. Audience members once again cheered loudly for this melodic genius. Once again, there was no better feeling than to seemed included. This was how I dreamed of displaying music. My talent meant something in the eyes of Prince.
__
"Keys?" Prince shouted for my presence during an afterparty. Shelia departed this evening to join a project called "USA For Africa." This supergroup even included Michael and would record a tune named "We Are The World." Mike and the great Lionel Richie even wrote the song together. Its overall goal had been to fundraise, hopefully combating starvation in Africa. For whatever reasons, Prince wouldn't collaborate. I decided to avoid interrogating the man. Docking my pay or whatever else for intrusion had been out of the question.
"What's up?" I sat down with a glass of Champagne in my hand. Music rumbled in all directions. My fingers nearly mimicked keyboard deeds of "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka. I'd loved this song to pieces. A sly grin crept onto Prince's face as the incomplete but stylish mask obscured his eye. We all nodded the rhythms. Even Brenda sang along at this point. More than a few other celebrities joined us in one way or another to dance.
Captured effortlessly.
That's the way it was.
Happened so naturally.
I did not know it was love...
"Are you ready for the Grammy's?" Prince spoke up again. I danced in a trio with him and Brenda now. We all laughed together once more between words. I rolled my eyes, but smiled. Was this man insane? I'd dreamed of the Grammys for years. Performing with him would've been icing on the cake. After passing empty Champagne glass to a waiter, I nodded for the millionth time around him.
"Of course. Let's do this, Skip." I grinned once more and high-fived P. Brenda still beamed with happiness when the music changed. The diamond ring on her finger sparkle with its usual glory. Months from now, she would finally walk down the aisle with my boss. I've never felt more thrilled. Especially considering that the tour would end soon enough. In my Miami of all places. I needed some beach time anyhow.
On the other hand, Michael surprised me with a letter I never expected this morning. Regardless of of my surprise, I hadn't called him to confront. Prince drowned us with a last-minute rehearsal before this very ceremony. I needed to concentrate as much as possible. And as I've said, we prevailed on national television this evening. I still didn't call him back given the party right now.
In all honesty, I was furious. Despite intentions, he just didn't seem genuine. To me, a real man showed up in person to admit feelings. For all I knew, Jackson could've lied on paper just to make sure I forgave his previous arrogance. This man resented my success under the tutelage of another artist. His rival at that. How the hell could I love a man who seemed jealous of everything?
I'd never fall into his trap.
