Author's Note: Readers -- who do you think Michael is talking about in the letter? Enjoy the drama!
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1985 – California
KIM
"Not to sound like a buzzkill, but you guys shouldn't have worn racy outfits like that in public tonight. All three of you looked like desperate groupies. I'm sorry, but that's the truth, baby." Michael complained back at the house. I smoked once again. When Michael tried to kiss me, I nearly slapped him. This man just disrespected two of my friends and just acted like nothing happened.
I then stood up in this jumpsuit and strutted away from Michael with slowed heels. While my hips swayed away from, I immediately heard when Jackson sucked though his teeth. After I glanced over one shoulder, Michael locked his eyes with my squinted glare. Not even seconds later, Michael licked his lips. As if this man noticed the most amazing food spread. In that moment, I bit back my own sly grin.
Michael slowly beckoned for my presence with his finger. Playing along, I crept closer and clicked my heels with every step. Silence fell between us as usual. I wasn't stupid and would not allow him to trick me with those bedroom eyes in one way or another.
"I'm taking a shower without you. Go ahead and sleep on the couch. Good night." Only inches separated our faces before I whispered to him. Michael then pouted. I could've cared less. After slamming the bedroom door in his face, I felt liberated. As I've said, only family could've offered advice to me by now. Michael or not, he didn't know my true self through and through.
Enough was enough.
__
That next morning, I woke up to find Michael sitting on the bed. His glare seemed lifeless. I didn't know what to think before sitting up against this mountain of pillows. Michael then lowered his brown eyes and reached to hold my hand. I squeezed back his own palm in response.
"I'm sorry, girl. I just don't want you to become a Prince groupie or something." Michael whispered first. He smoothed my knuckle with my thumb, never moving. Immediately, I retreated from the embrace of our palms. Frustration from last night reemerged.
I just wanted to visit the studio and dodge Mike all over again. What the hell did Jackson fear? Brenda, Charlene and I weren't even close to groupie status. We all hustled for the spotlight. We never spread legs in the name of recognition. I couldn't even live with myself if my values stooped that low for fame.
Under these sheets, the lingerie I'd sported deemed pointless for him. I wore this to feel desirable for myself. Meanwhile, my man only viewed as a slut in public. Why would I even consider treating him to intimacy after such disrespect? Fed up, I removed myself from this comfortable bed and quickly walked over to the bathroom. Michael knocked. I never even entertained his calls.
"Kim, I'm sorry. Please open the door." Michael apologized once more and failed to sway me with a nickname. I shook my head behind this door while taking off this lingerie. It wasn't long before I twisted one shower knob. Michael continued knocking. Again, I didn't even care. Michael couldn't disrespect me and just forget what happened, as I've said.
I clearly earned a glass of wine for this evening. I wouldn't party again, but Michael still hassled me in one way or another. I couldn't believe his endless squabbling at this point. I sang in the shower without him. I rinsed my curls without him. For a moment in this confined space, I was left alone.
Michael had finally stopped yelling outside the door. In this clouded room, I reached for a towel and wrapped up the body he took for granted. I never feared this man, but my guard lifted for once. We hadn't even made love due to the strain now. I just couldn't see the joyful and loving Michael I'd known before. I wanted our love back, but my heart just wouldn't tolerate ridicule in this manner.
I found myself standing alone in the bedroom minutes later. Silence captured the walls. I glanced around me until my eyes noticed paper sited on the dresser. I shivered in this lonely towel. Yet, my hand still picked up the message. Right now, the stereo system behind my head played a Stevie ballad. As if Michael planned everything before leaving my home. I just knew.
Kay,
Sweetheart, I just don't know what to do. You're so perfect. You're literally everything I want in a woman. We share the same values. We both strive for world peace. We both obsess over Disney. We both breathe music. I can't live without you. You've opened my heart again. I will thank Jehovah every night that you entered my life.
Last night, I thought you changed on me. I thought you'd slip into the fame crowd and never see me again. We only argued last night because that's how I lost someone else. She meant everything to me, but then Hollywood brainwashed her. She follows one of the biggest rock stars in the world, latching onto his every word. In the end, I know that's not who she really is. I can't lose you, too.
Please come back to me, Queen. Don't let show business change who you really are.
You King,
Michael