Author's Note: This chapter could change everything. Enjoy the drama!
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1986 - California
KIM
Good news flowed towards all of us. I couldn't feel happier at this point.
Prince premiered his second film "Under The Cherry Moon." Michael would finally start recording a follow-up to "Thriller."
I released another single for my own record and titled the song "Lately." For whatever reason, radio stations loved my ballads more than any other genres.
But of course, I never complained to the company. I'd be forever grateful.
Brenda still hustled with her own work and completely ignored the "Soul Train" foolishness of last year.
Regardless of jealous people and ridiculous headlines, Hughes still loved Prince and continued pushing to make a name herself.
During another televised performance, I surprised everyone by featuring B as one of the background vocalist for that record.
The entire studio audience cheered with happiness. This wonderful camera footage cut to those brilliant ladies.
Brenda Michelle waved with the two others once I finished singing. We all beamed smiles for the more than encouraging crowds. I couldn't wait for those big time gigs.
Brenda and I went our separate ways for the sake of time after that gig. I'd tour soon, but she couldn't join me onstage again.
As for Michael, I still took baby steps with him. We weren't close like before, but I still didn't hate him, either. Regardless, we even flirted sometimes.
I didn't know what to think, but still felt joy around him. All the while, Mike acted like this discreet bachelor.
Michael finally stopped lusting after Brenda and kept a weird relationship with me.
Anything could've happened. I could only imagine how the next woman would react.
If things never worked out with me in the end, someone else would most likely deal with his arrogant foolishness.
No matter what, he was Michael Jackson after all. Only Prince, Madonna, and even Whitney seemed to top Jackson as the most popular human beings on Earth right now.
After coming back from another interview, I found Michael standing in my living room again.
"Aw, thank you." I laughed. Michael held a rose-filled vase before walking towards the kitchen table. I smiled bashfully in response.
"You're welcome. By the way, I really like your outfit." Michael offered compliments for the umpteenth time. But I quickly stared down at my wardrobe.
I'd picked out this cheetah print crop top and black leather pants. Make-up even honored Brenda at this point.
My lips brilliantly colored with darkness. Lace fingerless gloves once again accented both hands for highlighted keyboard instrumentation.
Even my curls slicked with so much Actidaor that night. The television cameras immediately noticed, prompting audience laughter earlier onn the set.
I could've easily gone to the club in this get-up. Paparazzi and fashionistas would've drooled, so to speak.
"What have you been doing all day?" I sat down with Mike at the kitchen table. He picked a glass of water.
"Just recording. I've come up with a title for the album, too." Michael grinned. Silence fell between us, but I waited for noise. Anything.
I missed that smile so much. My heart pounded within.
"What's the title?" My voice questioned him with pure interest. I'd do anything to stop thinking about that smile.
"Bad." Mike answered. He just bit his lip while looking at me. I wasn't nervous, but damn.
"Wait a minute. Do you mean "Bad" as in criminal or the slang term?" I pumped the brakes. Confusion washed over my mind at first.
"The slang term. You're cool or tough." Michael just would not stop looking at me again. Still, I wouldn't give in. We knew so much better. We were just becoming friends again.
As soon as Michael leaned across the table from me, it was over.
Mike even reached out to hold my face with both hands while we kissed. Our eyes closed at the same time.
We somehow ended up leaving the kitchen table and just stood there kissing. Deeply. My arms even wrapped around his neck as I tried to hold him. He just welcomed the embrace.
It wasn't until I myself backed up against the dark bedroom wall that everything flooded back. His touch. His kisses.
Who were we fooling? I needed my man. He needed his girl.
"Don't fight it. Please come back to me, Daddy. I've missed you so much." I begged during our kisses.
"I've missed you too, Baby Girl. Please give me another chance." Jackson silenced me with one more touch of our joined lips, but pulled away with trembling words.
Just when my lips planned to reach his neck this time, I froze. My heart could've sank.
We then both realized what he just called me. I'd forever associate that nickname with another woman. My old friend. Prince's wife.
"Kay. I didn't mean to say it like that. I'm so sorry. Please come back." Michael struggled to fix the problem.
I slammed the door in his face after leaving those previously arms.
"Have you tried to sleep with Brenda? You never call me that nickname. Ever. " I yelled once Michael entered the living room again.
"Absolutely not. I've learned my lesson. She's married and I want you. I love you." Michael failed to hold me from behind. I already flinched away.
"But you've never given anyone else that nickname. Who else gets that privilege other than her?" I snipped once more.
Michael wouldn't answer.
I turned my head to see that the television still flickered with show business news. To avoid Michael, I increased volume.
"There's some bittersweet news coming from the world of his Royal Badness tonight. Prince insiders say that his talented wife Brenda Michelle Nelson is pregnant once again. But unfortunately, Prince has surprisingly doubted paternity of the future child. Could there be trouble in paradise for Monty and Skipper? We'll see what happens..."
I dropped my jaw and slapped Michael right across the face with teary eyes.
"No, Kay! I can't be the father." Michael screamed right back.
Bullshit! I thought to myself.
