1986 - The Penthouse, California
PRINCE
Anxiety and happiness washed over my entire body when Monty finally came back to California.
I'd just finished one of the "Parade" gigs when Wendy rushed into my dressing room.
A stagehand jogged in right behind her. One of favorite band members looked out of breath while Wendy held onto both knees.
My steps hurried out, not even thinking anymore. I've never felt more nervous on a plane in my life.
When the elevator doors finally opened, this blonde nurse rolled Monty in with a wheelchair. After greeting the employee, I knelt down to face my pregnant but amazing woman. My beautiful wife.
Our wedding day couldn't even compare to this moment. Her belly reached so much growth that a maternity dress shielded everything.
Her square glasses fogged up in the name of tears, but I could only smile right now.
"I'm so sorry." Monty whispered, broken. But I didn't want to confront that agonizing and truthful pain just yet.
"Not now. I'm just so glad you're home safe. Could...could I please touch your stomach? I promise to be gentle." I offered kindness during that small request. Monty nodded, but weakened her grin towards me. Despite our shared happiness.
This sense of exhaustion that I'd probably never understand as a man reached her lovely face. I held her hand, reassuring my loyalty through silence.
From the corner of my eye, our aiding nurse smiled while holding a water bottle.
Before long, Monty guided my hand to center her stomach with one touch. I could've wept at the sensation of life moving right underneath my palm.
This little one grooved a lot. Just like their wonderful Mama. In that moment, we both teared up with smiles again.
"It's another girl." Monty looked up from her stomach to face me once more. I carefully leaned in to kiss her and finally stood up from kneeling.
My heart could stare into those brown eyes for the rest of my life.
I eventually found out the nurse would stay with her until this precious baby girl arrived. Just one more month this summer.
I gave a quick tour of this "apartment" as Mo called it and the nurse felt right at home. Contact information placed all over the house just in case the employee needed anything.
With my tour still pushing until early Autumn, visiting this place would need to stop once again.
Most times, I couldn't stand leaving my queen. But now, I'd leave another princess behind.
The nurse even packed up her own belongings and mostly settled in the living room. Monty of course took the bedroom out of necessity and comfort.
Aided by that nurse once more, she rose out of the wheelchair.
LMy wife then slowly hobbled towards the bedroom I'd known for years at this point.
My heart ached when she looked at me with somewhat pained eyes. I could only imagine what crossed her mind the happiness of this pregnancy.
Now, she sat up against pillows of that perfectly made bed and held onto her stomach. Staring at a lifeless television screen. Dim lighting captured the entire world of her bedroom.
"Thank you." The nurse offered dinner in bed to my wife before waving to me and walking away. The door soon creaked shut behind her.
"So, how have you been?" I tried to smile for my best friend while she ate.
"Besides the facts that I can't do anything on my own and this little girl keeps kicking, I'm fine. At least we're together again." Another weak smile crossed her face after putting down a fork.
I wouldn't dare bringing up the paternity drama right now. She didn't need that kind of stress. Certainly not when she'd give birth one month from now.
"How's Mom doing? Does she still hate me?" This time, I mentioned Mrs Hughes. Brenda's mother. A cheeky smile crept onto my face.
Once my wife laughed, the baby kicked again. The food tray almost slid, but I caught up.
"She still can't believe that we're married. I guess you're finally part of the family now." Brenda winked. I snickered.
__
Later that night, everything shifted. We sat down and actually discussed the elephant in the room.
But I couldn't ask directly just yet.
Outside the bedroom window, headlights threw me off guard. Soon, I recognized Bill Bray and a chauffeur.
Why was Michael here?
I turned away from the window and watched Brenda. Puzzled at the very least.
"Both of you wanted the truth." she whispered again. I nodded, understanding.
My heart dropped when the elevator chimed open some time later.
This moment was actually happening.
I could hear Michael whisper to his employees while our home nurse definitely slept on the couch this evening.
There was no turning back now. Two extra voices hushed while the elevator opened and closed.
Knocking on our bedroom door woke me up in a sense. I gladly took the finished away from my wife and placed it quietly on our dresser drawer across the room.
She whispered to thank me and gently lifted herself on the bed to sit up once more.
Just when I turned away from that dresser, the knocking returned.
I rolled my eyes given Michael's impatient behavior. My mind just knew it was him.
Several footsteps later, I finally opened the door. I'd even hurried him inside with more whispers.
Given the nature of this room, I didn't want to stress my wife. We were all already on edge considering the upcoming situation anyhow.
As soon as Michael turned around and closed the door behind him, he froze.
