1985 - California
MICHAEL
So I've learned that love's not possession.
And I've learned that love won't wait.
Now I've learned that love needs expression.
But I learned too late.
She's out of my life.
She's out of my life.
Damned indecision and cursed pride.
Kept my love for her locked deep inside.
And it cuts like a knife.
She's out of my life...
("She's Out Of My Life" by Michael Jackson, 1979)
"I still don't think it's a good idea, Joker. You might be overreacting about Prince and Brenda. Just calm down for a second. Please?" Bill shook his head at me once I glanced over my shoulder. Regardless of his apprehension, I knocked the door of this hotel suite. Frank and two other bodyguards stood nearby. I wouldn't even remove my Aviators at this point.
From inside the room, music and laughter rumbled. I'd guessed that Prince and his band celebrated after rehearsing for the Grammy Awards. That ceremony would take place tomorrow night. Before possibly request one of these guards to interfere or something, guitarist Wendy Melvoin answered the door. Her skin paled at one view of me in the beginning, but she soon cleared her throat out of respect. I quickly removed my sunglasses and tucked these away, looking at her face-to-face in one way or another.
"Hi, Michael. How are you?" This woman smiled for a moment and tucked gloved hands into the pockets of flamboyant pants. I reached over to shake hands, but it wasn't long before I shook my head once more and finally entertained my reason for showing up. Wendy closed the door behind her and folded both arms in that same moment. The music echoed between our conversation at times.
"Hi, I'm good. Um, sorry to disrupt your party, but where's Prince? I wanted to talk to him about something important. It's urgent." I lowered my voice to emphasize this concern. At the same time, I didn't want to frighten anyone with the rage that now boiled within my heart. As soon as Prince showed up, everything would change, though.
"Oh, um, sure." Wendy pointed backwards with her thumb and quickly turned around. The door slammed once more. I couldn't even pace the floor beneath my steps when Prince finally appeared. While shirtless, his own gloved hand turned the knob and shut that same door. I immediately scrunched up my face watching this man. Prince folded his arms this time and stepped closer in boot heels, scoping me up and down. I feared nothing.
"What are you doing here?" Prince clenched his teeth in my direction. I stepped even closer. Nearby footsteps signaled the presence of my bodyguards and Bill. Even Frank whispered caution. I didn't even care. Despite the echoed music, there was silence between this rival and me. My fury boiled once more. We could stand here for hours and I'd still feel just as enraged.
"Why does Brenda have bruises on her stomach, asshole? You should be in jail. I don't give a shit about your fame." In that moment, Frank and Bill froze all over again. Even the other bodyguards yanked off their sunglasses, astonished in one way or another. I could stare at this monster forever and he'd probably lie through his teeth. It took everything in me not to act out of character and punch my rival right in the face. Still, my fists clenched on both sides.
"Get out. You're wrong and have no idea what's going on." Prince lowered his voice this time and pointed to the elevator for me to exit. I refused to move. I shook my head for the millionth time. His response just angered me even more. I even teared up, but wouldn't break down.
"Answer the question." I snipped back. Frank whispered near me once more. I overlooked his words in one way or another. There was no other choice, or I'd lose sanity. Especially given the circumstances. Cackling laughter woke all of us up by now. The party wouldn't even stop at this moment.
"I'm not beating Brenda. I would never even dream of hitting women. That's contrary to popular belief with the movie, Michael. Other than that, there's nothing else for you to know." Prince defended himself again. I wouldn't believe it. Music continued booming behind him. I could've cared less.
"Okay, since you won't tell me the truth, expect a lawsuit and trial. I'm getting justice for her whether you like it or not." I tossed up both hands and offered the ultimatum. I wasn't even fooled at all. Prince had ruined too many lives already by unleashing heartbreak throughout the years. His behavior just irked me time and time again.
"Trial my ass! Why don't you believe me? I told you the truth, Michael." Prince argued. Bill pulled me back when I attempted to punch Prince for once. I only saw red once more. We all hushed before this situation could escalate. Thankfully, no one inside the party could notice the external tension right now.
"Fine, but could I at least see Kim? We need to talk." I huffed and jerked a hold away from Bill. Prince squinted at me now. This man simply backpedaled toward the door behind him and continued shaking his head. I didn't know what to think until Prince slammed the door in my face. I nearly exploded with more frustration by now.
"Fuck you!" I shouted out loud while Bill and the bodyguards left with me. Frank just lowered his eyes with every passing moment.
