Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 60

Author's Note: vickiwaitingx JLC319 amoniquebee dsversatileworks ToniJones232 LesaG777

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1987 - "Masterpiece Enterprises" (New York)

Patrice

Brenda would go on hiatus according to the media. Baby Nicole was still a newborn at the time and of course, my former client needed to adjust in the name of motherhood.

On the other hand, Michael released this music video for "Bad" shortly after his little  princess came into the world.

His drastically  lighter physical  appearance had been such a talking point now that it completely overshadowed the gigantic career and his child's birth.

I'd learned from his make-up artist Karen Faye that the complexion change actually derived from this skin condition named "Vitiligo."

With this disease, individuals lose pigmentation, in other words, lose an ability to gain color on their body.

With every passing moment, Michael would eventually become lighter and lighter throughout the years.

But in the end, he would always be a Black man. Even considering all our drama, I called time and time again. Just to check in.

Jackson coped, but would always ask me about his attractiveness. My voice constantly reassured this man.

As a former make-up artist myself, I could only imagine his saddened feelings these days. 

Michael and I weren't close anymore, but remained cordial for obvious reasons.

The last thing he needed involved stress, especially considering that Jackson needed to work on songs and  short film projects for this upcoming album.

Meanwhile, Prince buckled down in the studio as well. I couldn't even wait to hear more genius records. Only time would at this point.

Even Kim planned to record  again. Soon enough. Back to the grind, so to speak. I rolled my eyes as this group of friends dwindled more and more.

As for me, I was still the lonely one. I'd lock myself in for time at the the office, working hours and hours.

This busy tactic distracted me from crying alone or something. There was no other choice given the circumstances. 

While countless employees hustled all over the premises or planned nights out for the weekend, my only companions involved a silent bedroom, Quiet Storm music, and glasses of wine.

Maybe it was meant to be this way.  I couldn't even hold down relationships without someone cheating. Again, I'd never be good enough for people.

__

Is it silly, no?

When a rocket ship explodes?

And everybody still wants to fly?...

While driving home that night in the jeep, I nodded along to the rhythms of a brand-new record by Prince.

I haven't heard something this eye opening from him since "America." One of my favorite jams from "Around The World In A Day."

As Skipper mentioned countless headlines and other somber details, I remembered everything.

From the "Challenger" shuttle catastrophe to this rising "Aids" epidemic.

After dragging through one exhausted  hour of bustling traffic,  I finally whistled my way into the house. "Sign O The Times" still churned from my tone deaf voice.

My manicured finger cut on the living room lights and I'd planned to plop onto the couch.

"Surprise! Happy birthday, Patrice." Instead, I found Kim smiling.

Prince and Michael stood right next to each other. I always knew that those me men never celebrated birthdays overall.

But the gesture of  their arrival seemed absolutely wonderful. I'd never forget this evening.

Even Mom postured in the nearest corner, cheesing with the biggest smile.

I covered my face with both hands while feeling shocked and happy all at once.

To be honest, I  hadn't even celebrated my birthday in quite some time due to such a  overwhelmingly hectic schedule.

I ran into the arms of my mother first. Applause signaled before long. My eyes even teared up for once.

"Thank you!" I sniffled after pulling away from Mommy. Her thumb wiped off my emotional waterfalls.

"You're welcome, Sweetheart. Now come with me to the kitchen. Somebody wants to talk to you." Mom smiled once more.

"Sure." I gladly followed the footsteps of heels towards the small kitchen.

Once I rounded the corner, my eyes noticed Brenda carrying little Nikki on her hip. I nearly squealed out with happiness.

My birthday just improved by ten million notches or something.

The biggest smile crept onto my face. I nearly jumped in place watching Nikki cackle while  opening her toothless mouth.

Mom once again stood near the kitchen table watching all of us. But I refused to hold this precious baby girl.

While seemingly exhausted as one diaper bag placed close in eyesight, Brenda hushed her fussy child. Poor Nikki used her chubby little arms to try reaching me.

"Aww." I pouted as well, quietly fussing  un agreement with the newborn. Mommy was mean.

"No." Brenda lifted one finger towards her baby. As I've said, that woman trusted few around this child.

Nannies were hired, but almost never utilized. I didn't even know what to think. My heart just  completely shattered in one way or another.

"Hey. Thanks for coming." I wasn't stupid, but of course the safety  precautions for this baby  around strangers deemed absolutely reasonable.

"You're welcome. Can't stay long. I just wanted you to meet her in person before I become a hermit again." Brenda sadly laughed to herself.

"That's absolutely fine. She's so cute. " I smiled, but could only imagine how it felt to raise this daughter without any free time. 

"Thanks." Brenda weakly smiled once more and  looked back to face her drooling daughter instead of me.

This woman probably  barely left the house anymore beyond shopping for that sweet baby girl.

Damn. I thought to myself.