1986 - The Penthouse, California
PRINCE
My eyes have never wept so much in one night. Medical test results shocked me beyond understanding.
I wasn't the biological father of this second unborn child.
It didn't even help that Monty progressed more and more with every doctor visit this time around.
The average husband and expecting father would've praised heavens every single day. After Brenda miscarried the first time, I thought we'd never have children at all.
Yet, Mo-Mo became distant before this second pregnancy. My queen wouldn't even think about visiting the rest of my "Parade" tour.
She flew to New Jersey and didn't even call me while surrounding herself with family members. Everyone shut me out.
That's when my heart knew something wasn't right.
Mo wouldn't even tell me that I was the father.
My heels paced the wooden floor of this living room. I blinked away tears while staring down at my wedding ring.
All of my previous and infamous cheating on Monty led to something like this. I couldn't even stop blaming myself.
I instantly considered Mike. His love around my best friend seemed more than undeniable for years.
I couldn't help connecting him to everything. Jackson seemed to be only reasonable culprit in my mind. This man shamelessly called my woman his. Over and over again.
But then I found a random video tape in Monty's nightstand drawer.
Drained from emotion, I sat on the messy bed covers and waited to see footage.
Onscreen, I instantly recognised a dated version of the Los Angeles nightclub we always visited. Even now.
The year read 1983 in one bottom corner of that large television monitor. With folded arms, I observed almost every detail.
Denise and her band mates giggled for the hungry cameras. Morris swooped his arm around Jill.
I rolled my eyes beside Big Chick and some other bodyguards. Bass rumbled as time moved on.
Footage then cut to the bar. I immediately sat up with narrowed eyes. My Bassist Mark flirted with Monty while sitting underneath colorful strobes.
If this man whispered in her ear one more time, I'd stop watching.
My heart ached when her favorite Debarge record began playing and these two chose dancing together. That was my job. Only I was supposed to dance with the most beautiful girl in the world.
I've been thinkin' bout you for a quite a while.
You're on my mind every day and every night.
My every thought is you.
The things you do.
Seem so satisfying to me.
I must confess it, girl...
Mark? No! It has to be Michael. I thought to myself. Hopefully these nightmare predictions would vanish soon.
My heart needed a genuine answer.
Fed up, I called Michael. He picked up with the lowest voice. I didn't know what to think about the awkward silence between us on this landline.
"I'm not the father. Leave me alone, Prince." Michael snipped at me as usual. I only scoffed, not convinced in the slightest bit.
"Stop lying, Motherfucker! You've been obsessed with my wife for three years and I know this is your child. Thanks for ruining my life." I shouted intothe receiver.
"I wouldn't answer the phone if I was the father of this child. I would be avoiding you right now. We've fought all these years, but you've got to believe me, man. I'm not that cold. Kay left me over this shit." Michael pleaded on the other line.
Once that man mentioned Kimberly, I knew this moment wasn't a trick. Those two finally discovered common ground in some form and built a relationship.
Jackson wasn't blindly following my woman anymore. Mike had actually found his own path towards joy.
I sighed out loud. Michael and I quickly apologized to one another before hanging up.
I'd cry myself to sleep that night.
***
BRENDA
Brenda Michelle,
I am lost. I cannot take the idea of living without you again. Please tell me why this happening to us. I am so sorry that these years of pain encouraged you leave our union for another man.
Now, you will carry his life. Not mine. I don't blame you. I deserve this. I deserve to live with the consequences of taking you for granted.
My queen, you deserve motherhood. Even if that child is not mine.
But when that child is born, I still will not leave you. I will not take off my ring until you say so.
No matter what happens, my emotions belong to you. I can't even perform without thinking about you. When I'm alone in my room, I can't stop dreaming about you.
Regardless of the mysterious future ahead, I will always love you. I am nothing without you.
Please tell me who stole your precious heart. Without answers, I feel broken inside.
I'm scared for once. But I would do anything for you. Please just tell me so we can rid ourselves of the pain.
I need the truth. I need my girl back.
Please tell me.
Forever yours,
-Prince Rogers Nelson
I sobbed after reading that letter from my baby. My hero. My best friend. My soulmate. My husband.
The truth would devastate him. I couldn't bear to see him. Even with this precious baby girl growing more and more within my body.
My entire family knew who it was. Sometimes, even I still didn't believe who it was.
One night with Michael changed everything.
