Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 27

Author's Note: vickiwaitingx DProjects amoniquebee ShonaShaniece "Eye Hate U" inspired this chapter. Enough said.

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1983 - "Thriller" Choreography Rehearsals (California)

Brenda

Bass pulsed right outside the door. Only one tiny window granted me access to this noteworthy moment.

Michael told me over and over again that this project would probably be his most elaborate "short film.

Zombies and Werewolves galore.

I couldn't even wait to see the final product. The world could lose minds over this upcoming greatness.

When the music ended, everyone  cooled down and applauded. I turned away from the door to hide.

"That's it for the day. See you tomorrow, everybody." It wasn't long before choreographer Michael Peters seemingly  wrapped up practice.

The door creaked open seconds later and dancers filed out. I looked up and smiled for everyone who passed by.

Peters already walked out those double doors after waving to me. I smiled one final time as this cheoe

By the time Jackson reached my view, his brown eyes locked onto me. I didn't know what to think.

Michael would only step closer while licking his dance-salted lips. For once, my heart wouldn't even stop pounding.

In that moment, Michael held my face with both hands just seconds before kissing me.

When through, he simply pulled away from my painted lipstick and began to walk off.

"Don't you dare walk away from me." I lowered my voice while angered.

Moments later, Michael held my face again, deepening our second kiss.

My back now thumped against this wall as our bodies attached, never wanting to separate.

"Don't you ever leave me again. I love you so much." Michael affirmed his control over me, but resurfaced the devotion.

I hadn't felt this willing about men since Prince. Since I left Minnesota after the "Purple Rain"  shoot, Skipper went right back to Patrice. As if our friendship meant nothing.

Michael and I fell into the habit of calling each other again. I'd broken my own heart too many times by rejecting him for so long.

We needed this inevitable time alone. Or else, I'd go insane. Silence captured the otherwise lonely hallway as we kissed.

When we finally stopped, Jackson had stained his mouth with black lipstick.

I bit my lip, knowing that we would leave this place together.

__

The Penthouse, California

Brenda Michelle,

I don't hate you now. But Patrice deserves commitment from me. I love her, even if it means cutting people off. I'm sorry.

You deserve happiness without me. We've enjoyed time together, but as I've said, Patrice needs me right now.

You will find someone else. I promise, Darling. No one deserves to be alone forever. You are far too special for loneliness.

I will always stay in your corner, even if we are never in love again. I will never forget you, Mama. 

Until we meet again,

-Prince Rogers Nelson

÷÷÷

Baby Girl,

Once again, I've woken up feeling intoxicated by you. Last night still meant everything to me.

We've both seen heartache, but I promise to be yours. And only yours. I will never hurt you. Never.

You are the most amazing person and I couldn't even imagine losing you. Brenda Michelle, you are mine. Now and forever.

You will always have a place in my heart. I will cherish you for the rest of my life.

Call me soon.

Baby, love you.

-Michael

My heart seemed conflicted. Even though Michael loved me without hesitation, I couldn't shake Prince away. His friendship still meant the world.

After soaking in bubbles to curb "Soul Train" dancing, someone called me in the bedroom. Dim lighting captured the entire space.

Only this silk robe dressed my body. It wasn't long before I  picked up.

"Hello?" I questioned, puzzled. My mind didn't even recognize the phone number at first.

"Mo, it's Skipper." That deep and familiar encouraged my needs to almost buckle. Given the trembling in his voice, I just knew something wasn't right.

"What's wrong?" I questioned, shaken up. Silence haunted the bedroom once more as I heard Prince sniffling on the other line.

"Mo, Patrice left me for good. She flew right back to New York and won't even help with the movie wardrobe anymore." Prince finally confessed. My heart completely shattered at this point.

"What? Why? You and I sat down with her and explained that we only have friendship now. Didn't she understand?" My own voice trembled as I blinked away tears.

"She still thinks I'm in love with you, Mo." Prince most likely wiped away his own tears during this phone call.

"Are you?" I whispered. One more round My of awkward silence fell between us. My heart pounded, waiting.

"Yes." Prince lowered his voice while still heartbroken. I should've hung up the telephone by now.

Yet, my hand wouldn't release anything right now. A horrible  lump formed in my throat.

Still, my body froze. I didn't know what to think once more as the simple word repeated over and over again in my mind.

"You can't be serious! Stop lying to me." I almost yelled into the receiver. This wasn't real. I didn't even want to believe this moment.

"Do you even think it was easy for me to mail that damn letter this week? I found one of your lighters and almost burned it down." Prince ranted without hesitation and shouted, cracking his voice.

I hung up, simply crying.