1985 – California
KIM
I teared up with happiness while observing the television. Onscreen, footage of Brenda and Prince dancing encouraged my heart to swoon. Brenda looked graceful in a mermaid shaped dress. The now married couple slow-danced to a Chaka record and I hurried Michael into my bedroom. I'd finished recording my album for the day and invited him over. Yet, his expression deemed cold in one way or another.
As I planned to sing along, Michael suddenly picked up a remote and cut off the television. My jaw dropped instantly. I didn't know what to believe right now. Anger had immediately coursed through my veins. An uncomfortable form of silence haunted us for whatever reason. His glare toward me proved almost lethal now.
"You've got to be kidding me. Whether you'd like to admit or not Kay, he's a dog. They're won't even last a few months." Michael plopped onto the empty side of my bed and groaned out loud. In defense of that couple, I nearly exploded. Nothing stupid could tell me that Prince wouldn't take the relationship seriously. Marriage wouldn't even cross his mind if things weren't serious between him and Brenda. To me, Michael just wanted to curse any of his foe's relationships.
I shook my head otherwise and slipped away from Michael's emerging clutch on my hips. We'd planned to visit the nightlife and hoped to clear my head. I didn't want to bog myself down with endless responsibilities. I earned a smoke or drink this evening. Still, I even debated bringing Mike along now. If Jackson opened his smartass mouth one more time, we'd surely bicker. Regardless, I already prepared myself.
"Why are you so doubtful about those two? Prince is happy and not playing around anymore. He loves B with all his heart. Otherwise, that wedding would never even happen, Michael. You know better." I finally dove into the argument. Meanwhile, Jackson failed to distract me with kisses. I dodged his affection, still bothered. Him downplaying a relationship of my friend left this nasty taste in my mouth.
I turned the television back on and didn't miss anything else. Right now, Shelia E outfitted with blue. Onscreen, that woman hugged Brenda almost feverishly. My heart ached with more happiness. Michael frowned over my shoulder. I could've cared less.
Onscreen this time, Shelia and B danced together for a moment while L.T.D. played in the background. "Back In Love Again" had been one of my favorite records. I jokingly envied but admired those who could play bass on that same jam. Prince glided between that new bride and Shelia while bopping his own shoulders to the music. I laughed to myself in response.
Before long, footage shifted back to a small screen program workplace. The blonde correspondent onscreen presented this tacky smile. I then cut off that television and clipped some earrings on my nightstand. Michael sighed out loud, relieved in one way or another. Moments later, his arms snaked around me again. I leaned back against him in this tight black dress.
"Maybe we shouldn't go out anymore. You look too amazing and I don't want to share right now." Michael teased behind me and kissed my neck. One more bout of comfortable silence fell between us. I couldn't fight with him. I couldn't debate the man I loved. I'd be a fool to carry out anything else.
To be honest, we finally made love not too long ago. Jackson had truly allowed himself to give me something that no one else received in the longest time. That moment wasn't vulgar. The ecstasy between us proved magnificent. He vowed to love me forever without even declaring control. Nothing felt cliché. Everything felt right that evening.
I wouldn't turn away from this man, no matter what.
__
Kay,
I'm so sorry about fighting last night. I was so flustered about their quick wedding. Even two years isn't enough time to know someone. I'm apprehensive for the sake of my friendship with Brenda. You and I both know that her wellbeing is important. She is her own person, but sometime I wonder if she can handle pressure of being married to Prince. At heart, he is a player. I'm just concerned for Brenda.
If anything, I have ten times more faith in you and I than any relationship Prince would have, marriage or not. Regardless, I love you. I want you. You mean everything to me and no other woman will come close. You are my best friend. My baby. My queen.
Have a great day, sweetheart.
Mike
Ain't there something I can give you, in exchange for everything you give to me.
Read my mind and make me feel just fine.
When I think my peace of mind is out of reach.
The scales are sometimes unbalanced.
And you bear the weight of all that has to be.
I hope you see that you can lean on me.
And together we can calm a stormy sea.
We love so strong and so unselfishly.
And I tell you now that I made a vow.
I'm giving you the best that I got, baby.
Yes, I tell you now, that I made a vow.
I'm giving you the best that I got, honey...
I built this record from inception. Everything from piano and keyboards to vocals. With every moment, I thought of Michael. My King. His letter from this morning prompted the song in question. I loved him. I'd commit to himself for as long as possible. Until the wheels fell off, so to speak.
I couldn't wait for the world to hear my devotion in song.
