Author's Note: Flashback, part 2. This chapter also features mature themes. Regardless, enjoy!
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1984 - "Victory Tour"
PRINCE
Michael's brothers filed out of the room without even saying goodbye to me. Bodyguards mumbled and patrolled right outside that door.
I walked towards the couch and sat down with Monty, never letting go of her hand. I just wanted to leave, but her presence calmed me down.
As we continued squeezing palms, I dropped my head onto Brenda's shoulder. As if Michael never stood in this private room.
Michael shut the door behind him and folded both arms like I committed a crime or something. His scowl didn't even waver.
"Good show." I fibbed after lifting my head away from Mo. My body then stood up to shake hands with Michael.
For once, he couldn't offer me the one genuine smile that honestly captivated this entire world. Everything about our greeting tonight proved to be fake.
"Thanks. Glad you two could make it." Even over my shoulder, Michael watched Mo across the room. I just knew.
My heart sank when Michael suddenly brushed me off again. He'd gained the nerve to welcome my lady as if they had been together all this time.
"Hi, Baby Girl!" Jackson opened his arms and just beamed with happiness during the embrace. I sulked on that otherwise relaxing and beautiful couch.
Monty just laughed into Michael's chest as he rocked her back and forth. She didn't even fight him as I sadly predicted earlier.
In that moment, I finally realized something. Whenever I cheated, she'd run to him.
Who could blame Monty, though? These two looked so happy and I took her beautiful smile for granted these days.
When Michael pulled away from her, my best friend, I just opened the door and walked out.
Monty rushed out of the room and called to me, but I put on favorite rounded sunglasses to hide the tears. I never cried, but this was too much.
I asked for this kind of pain. She deserved love from a man who genuinely cared.
Out of anger towards this exact relationship, I wrote "Something In The Water" for "1999." .
Everybody in show business assumed Vanity was the culprit, but my Uptown family knew.
First Avenue whispered and the truth spread like wildfire. Even my proteges couldn't stand Michael.
But now, Monty rushed towards me in her favorite boots, crying due to emotional pain for once. Not once did she glare at me with pure hatred.
"Look at me." Brenda took off the sunglasses without hesitation and held my face with both precious hands.
I couldn't take the pain of losing my baby anymore. She owned my heart. Even after such a short time together.
"I'm so sorry. Please don't leave me. I promise that you'll always come first from now on, Mama. Just don't leave me again. Please." I instantly broke down.
We sobbed into one another during this needed embrace. Not even seconds later, the private door slammed shut.
Monty and I jumped at the sound of course.
"Fuck! Dammit!" We could hear Michael screaming inside the room afterwards.
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Brenda Michelle,
There he goes trapping you again with lies. He'll never care about you as much as me. I'd do anything to make you smile, girl. Anything.
Please come back. I'll show you how a real man is supposed to treat his woman.
You are the most beautiful and amazing person. Who in their right mind would hurt you like this? I'd never dream of breaking your heart.
Baby, I can't take pain like this anymore. Please be mine. I'm begging now.
What can I do to show how much you mean to me?
We've never even kissed, but I want you so bad, it almost hurts.
When was the last time he made love to you? No fucking. No quickies.
Made love.
Whispered sweet nothings while holding you close. Guided you in the dark to his bedroom while holding hands.
Stood in the mirror and leaned in to shower your neck with deep kisses. Rolled his eyes back in anticipation of more, leading you to bite your lip while observing.
I just want to lose myself with you afterwards. From dusk til dawn.
After finally waking up beside you in the morning, we'd kiss and just talk to each other, staying in bed until reality knocks again. All as I caressed your gorgeous face.
Until that moment, I will miss you and love you from afar.
Please let me see you again.
Always,
-M.J.
÷÷÷
Queen,
Michael will never understand what I feel for you. He thinks I am just a terrible human being. And probably always will.
I have never been perfect, but the only true forgiveness I need comes from God and you. Michael means nothing to me in that regard.
I can see myself spending the rest of my life on Earth with you. You may never believe something so profound given my behavior and upbringing, but I can't help showing these feelings.
Brenda Michelle, I compare every other woman to you.
You are the original. You are the blueprint. None of my proteges, (Except Shelia possibly) have the talent to make it without me.
Vanity (Denise) only ran on beauty and sex appeal. I just filled the obvious blanks.
You combined talent, brilliance, determination, beauty and the most remarkable dose of kindness to build your own glorious empire.
All before I even walked into your life.
But does Michael know that you smoke when stressed? Does he even know why?
Does he know that your little sister recently graduated from high school pregnant?
Does Michael know that you rightfully start bugging after that horrible management team doesn't book anything beyond "Soul Train" during the week?
You hate doing nothing, but Michael's called you a groupie over and over again.
He doesn't know you at all.
Darling, never forget how amazing you are. On your worst days, just call me.
I will always remind you of that angelic royalty that flows through your beautiful spirit.
We are one. Now and forever.
I love you so much, Baby. We will always be partners in crime.
- Prince Rogers Nelson (Skipper)
