Author's Note: I'm so sorry, everybody. I've suddenly realized that this fan fiction dragged longer than expected and ignored the Kimberly storyline I originally wanted. Hopefully, the final chapter will give some closure. Enjoy and thanks so much for reading as always. See you on the next story. - Lavender.
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June 25th, 2009 - New Jersey
Nicole "Nikki" Jackson
Mom and her good friend Ms. Kimberly surprised me two years ago by visiting New York. We'd observe The Garden and Union Square in Manhattan among other locations.
That entire outing probably stood as the best vacation since Miami for my birthday.
But it wasn't until we entered Brooklyn that my life nearly changed forever.
I'd finally see Dad again.
Mom and Ms. Kim whispered to the creative director of "Ebony Magazine" months beforehand to confirm. Mom wouldn't tell anything.
Moments later, we all walked into this separate area for wardrobe and make-up. A stylist walked around Dad to check his hair. "Human Nature" echoed in the background.
Dad recognized Momma in the mirror immediately. I almost sobbed while standing next to Ms. Kimberly.
Dad excused himself from the stylist while apologizing graciously. My father then turned around and offered Mommy the longest embrace I'd probably ever witness. Mom just wept in his arms.
When my parents stopped hugging, it was as if time froze. Dad slowed down his walk and narrowed eyes while observing me. I understood. Even Ms. Kimberly claimed that Mom and I were twins.
"I'm sorry, but you look so familiar." Dad reasonably questioned me and hesitated.
"It's me, Dad." I laughed through more tears.
"Nikki?" Dad looked at me with amazement while his eyes popped. I nodded feverishly.
I've never hugged anyone so tightly in my life before.
Growing up, Dad always stayed around. Either rehearsing like this brilliant madman and singing for me or changing my diaper to be completely honest.
Ma carried me on her hip or held my hand while walking into video shoots or backstage areas.
At the simple view of my tiny presence, Dad stopped everything to greet me. I shifted from one parent to another, whining for the loving embrace with my father.
I'd beam during chats of school adventures and play dates with friends. Dad absored details as if I told the greatest stories on Earth.
Of course, I saw less of him during teenage years. By the time I turned eighteen and graduated high school, Dad earned three other children, but shut out this entire world.
At that point, Mom sat me down and revealed truth that I still can't believe.
Mom and Dad never married. Mommy cheated on legendary musician Prince with Dad years ago, leading to my birth.
None of this drama made sense until footage, pictures, and stories reached my entire being.
According to Mommy, Prince even held me in the hospital shortly after I was born.
My mother married Prince in 1985, but divorced six years later. At that time, my gifted but cheating "stepfather" released the album "Diamonds and Pearls."
Some "women" from Paisley Park seemed more important than my own mother to him. Mom filed divorce papers after "Sexy M.F." hit airwaves.
Prince protegee Troy even posed on the single cover. Her blatantly suggestive wardrobe and wild hair instantly reminded me of Mom's old lifestyle.
Troy sported white instead of a black Fishnet dress. Fluffed hairdo rather than Mom's curly lion mane. Light rather than dark lipstick.
Blasphemy. I thought to myself.
But as far as I knew, Mom forgave Prince in the end. At least those two were still friends. Mom wouldn't tell me anything else.
Years later, I currently sat in one teeming restaurant with Mom. Ms. Kim now owned the business of her dreams. We'd escape summer heat that day with air conditioning.
"CNN" had just confirmed the death of my hero. I've never cried so much. Mom couldn't even start the engine to drive at first. We both sobbed and hugged. Still in shock.
Jackson music roared from speakers everywhere at the restaurant. Out of nowhere, the beats just stopped. Mom and I stared at each other for a moment. Voices whispered all around us.
"Before we continue with business as usual, someone very special would like to honor Michael this evening." A pudgy man with rolled up sleeves hobbled to the stage.
The platform itself situated across from these veiled tables and cleared his throat. At the sound of my father's name, we all cheered.
"We love you, Michael!" Mommy even pounded her fist on the table. I blinked away tears while facing the ceiling and my fingers upwards.
"Please welcome our owner, Ms. Kimberly "Keys" Walker!" The assumed employee finished his introduction. My jaw dropped. I had no idea that Ms. Kimberly was a musician. Mom owned me that story later.
"Go 'head, Kay!" Mom yelled with her usual excitement. Moments later, Ms. Kimberly had walked out from behind the scenes.
I teared up while simply noticing her chosen outfit for the tribute performance. Dad wore red and black constantly when I was a little girl.
Ms. Kimberly wore a sleeveless red blouse and black pants. Blacks boots walked across that stage.
With every step, she moved towards the grand piano. A spotlight shined down on that beautiful instrument.
One microphone propped if Ms. Kimberly ever spoke to the audience before playing.
When she sat down on that bench and topped the piano with a fedora, Mom and I yelled out loud first.
This entire restaurant quickly screamed back. I didn't even care. Emotions coursed through all of us.
"Hello, everybody. For those of you who still don't recognize me, my name is Kim Walker. I've owned this restaurant for ten years. But years before the business took off, I used to perform and met Michael. Mike, if you can hear me in heaven right now..."
Ms. Kimberly broke down halfway through. We all cheered again in the name of joyful encouragement. At this point, Mom stood up and pointed frantically with happiness towards the stage.
"Love you too, B!" Ms. Kimberly laughed with my mother to fight the tears.
When the room finally silenced, Ms. Kimberly wouldn't sing. Stunning chords of "Man In The Mirror" triggered applause for five glorious minutes.
By its amazing end, Ms. Kimberly bowed for the shouting audience after leaving the piano.
Dad would've enjoyed every moment.
