Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 23

Author's Note: Foreshadowing alert! amoniquebee

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1983 - "Motown 25" Rehearsals

Michael

The only reason why I performed with my brothers onstage for the television special came from this chat with Berry not too long ago.

I'd sing and dance with my family on one important condition: "Billie Jean" would transition afterwards. I wanted to promote my own record and surprise the audience.

Only reuniting with my brothers wasn't sufficient for me. Given my fame back then, my mind knew for sure that fans would've felt cheated if I didn't utilize one of my own singles.

I just couldn't perform with my brothers and simply leave the stage. To be honest, I'd never forgive myself as an entertainer.

Of course, Berry understood my noteworthy points. I then began rehearsals with everyone soon enough.

The entire world gravitated to the news and waited for this show with baited breaths.

Everyone from Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder would grace the show, but again, the entire world braced for me and my family reunion

In other news, Patrice and Brenda cut me off these days. I didn't know what to think until my heart gave in called both of these incredible ladies.

Enough was enough, but I wasn't even mad at those two women anymore. Just extremely lonely.

First, Prince and I bickered on the telephone when I called "his woman." Again.

Nelson seemed to act as if I broke the law or something, shouting in my ear with an extremely unnecessary rant.

My drained but absolutely furious mind wouldn't even care about him at this point.

I wanted to see Patrice and there was nothing that her "man" could do to stop me.

Meanwhile, I shamelessly left countless messages on Brenda's answering machine.

Recently, a new television interview allowed me to see her gorgeous face for the first time in a while.

Onscreen, she wore make-up to the fullest extent. That curly lion mane still swooped across her forehead and every time she spoke, I just wanted to kiss the lipstick right off.

"I'm still honored to dance on the show. It's been my dream for years." Despite the positive outlook and adorable smile on her face, her damn New Jersey accent still turned me on. So much.

Afterwards, I called, almost bv to see her in person again.

"Hey, it's Michael. You can't stand me right now, but I really do miss you, girl. I'm rehearsing with my brothers for Motown's twenty fifth anniversary. Would you mind stopping by? Please? Call me back soon and give you more information, okay? Bye."

By my last message, I sadly couldn't even stay cordial with her.

It was almost three in the morning. Insomnia still raced through my body as usual.

Plus, laying in this bed, completely alone, only deepened my emotions for Brenda Michelle.

I simply wanted friendship with Patrice without her "boyfriend" controlling everything. Prince most likely cheated every time she wasn't even nearby. I just knew.

On the other hand, Brenda surfaced the love I tried to forget. There was no other conclusion.

"Baby, please pick up the phone. I'm so sorry. For everything. It's just that I haven't felt this way about anyone in a long time. You're the only girl for me. Please pick up." My voice trembled.

I refused to cry during this phone call because Joseph would've reprimanded me.

Jackson men weren't even supposed to be vulnerable. We needed to brush off pain and move on. My father didn't even want to hear the "emotional bullshit."

__

Patrice couldn't show up to rehearsals. I didn't know what to think once more until she called me during a lunch break.

She surprisingly crafted wardrobe for the first time since leaving "Canvas Inc" last year.

Director Albert Magnoli requested this talented woman to join an undisclosed production.

While disappointed by her invitation rejection in one way or another, I understood that choice and moved on.

We both pushed in the name of success. I honestly couldn't wait to see her name scroll down cinema screens.

Now, I finished practicing "I Want You Back" with my brothers when the double doors opened.

My siblings whispered to each other, reasonably puzzled. Even I couldn't understand this situation until my glare faced the back of that room.

Brenda removed her Aviators and tucked the sunglasses intoher purse without even fumbling.

Her boots clicked against the floor with every step forward. I immediately noticed as she stood up straight throughout the movement. Her curly head remained high.

Another painted lipstick smile reached her face before long. I should've melted onstage at this point.

"Excuse me, fellas." I spoke to my brothers before leaving the stage. Even after glancing over one shoulder, I noticed when these guys whispered to each other again. Probably guessing my situation.

"Hey." Brenda whispered to me now. I opened my arms and she respectfully welcomed the embrace.

"Hey. Look, I'm so sorry about those messages on your answering machine. You don't want anyone right now and I should've understood that." I pulled away from our hug and soon apologized. There was no other choice.

"Thank you, Mike." Brenda answered simply. I nodded, quickly understanding. She didn't deserve pestering from at all.

Moments before she even sat down, Baby Girl kissed my cheek.
I stood on Cloud Nine for the rest of the day.

Better than nothing. I thought to myself.