Spotlight || MJ/Prince

Spotlight || Chapter 6

1985

Angela "Angie" Powell

By the time we crossed paths again, Michael no longer performed with his brothers and Joseph wasn't part of the management team anymore. As for me, I'd worked behind the scenes. My talent had reached everything from studio albums for other people to movie soundtracks. In short, my own name zipped through the industry.

Michael still hadn't released a new album yet, but all good things would come from those who waited. Just like everyone else in this world, I lurked in the trenches so to speak, with baited breath, hoping that Jackson would bring some new magic.

On the other hand, Prince ended his "Purple Rain" tour. I had even visited his last gig in Miami and surprised everyone backstage. My group pictures with the band that night still flooded headlines and television stations. I'd always feel grateful.

Heading out for lunch one day, I'd already chatted with David Bowie at the door, who'd instructed his security guards to let me pass through first. He wasn't some barricade. We all knew so much better then. It wasn't long before a few minutes passed and Michael and I met as planned. We had squeezed time for us both to see each other and tried our best. Given our careers, I still knew that it wasn't easy.

Various celebrities passed the table to catch up too. At one point, George Michael aimed to pull up his chair and speak with Michael. We'd all speak another time, especially as Jackson's expression grimaced. He wanted everyone to leave us alone.

"On any other day, I wouldn't even mind if peers wanted to speak with me, but this is ridiculous." Michael showed his Indiana accent and rolled both eyes. I didn't know I still offered my two cents, drinking water. Michael continued eating his meal.

"It's not every that you show up in public like this. Unless there's an event, the world hasn't seen you around lately. Don't be surprised folks started acting curious." I spoke up. Michael wiped his mouth and wanted to defend himself.

"Angela, does anyone believe in privacy these days? I'm not some unicorn." Michael lowered his voice for once. I'd understood his point, but both of us still couldn't control other people. At least the other superstars knew about his struggles time and time again. I wouldn't judge anyone, especially not him. No other choice.

"I understand what you mean, but people are nosy as hell. You're not the only person on Earth who deals with gossip, Michael. To be honest, some magazines wrote down that I was in the closet." I soon revealed my own trash from the press.

"Even if you were gay, it's nobody's business." It wasn't long before Michael cleared his throat after drinking from his own water glass. I would've loved to have some wine right now, but needed to handle personal business not long after this visit.

"I know, but..." Just when my voice planned on responding to Michael, I noticed that my manager sprinted her heels to us in the distance. My eyes bulged. The dark complexion of my skin somehow paled. Distress washed over my heart soon after.

"Ang, we gotta go. I'm so sorry." My manager looked pink and red in the face, as if she had been crying. I couldn't even explain myself to Michael as we raced from the restaurant and exited in haste. There was no other choice as we began to leave.

"What happened?" I asked in the car. Wheels hurried further and further away from one main strip of this downtown area. My heart thumped and more and more with anticipation. I'd waited for whatever she had to say, but she faced the window first.

"She flatlined ten minutes ago." My manager whispered.

My mother was gone.

______

Momma had passed away from terminal cancer.

By the following week, I hosted her funeral and completed the burial. Family visited to say goodbye of course, but I sat by myself in the first row on purpose. My cousins lined up the second row to give me space. Everyone in that church, including my aunt and uncle, understood. I just wanted to grieve alone.

I even sang that afternoon, running my fingers along the black and white keys. Momma always loved to play the piano, but gave her own career once she became pregnant. Like any and responsible parent, she owned up just to take care of me.

Mom started to play instruments again after Dad passed away in Vietnam, but life got in the way. Motherhood seemed to be far more important. She never remarried either, always telling me that no one could ever replace the father of her child.

Returning to my own home felt eerie. No pets. No roommates. Just minimal furniture located in every room and the recording studio spaced downstairs. I sat on that couch for the first time since Mom left, sobbing near lovable pictures.

In the midst of still grieving, I found mail from Prince. He had even left quite a few messages on my answering machine. Avoiding my own house, I had soon crashed on the couch at my Aunt's place so that I wasn't alone during that time in my life.

After dealing with bills and ripping open the envelope from Prince, I noticed that two "presents" fell out first. Curiosity struck until I'd recognized both items in one way or another. While faint, I smiled for the first time since my world changed.

The first item had been this framed photo of Momma, Prince, Denise and me. We all surprised my mother for her own birthday and threw a small get-together at my childhood home. There was no better feeling as we enjoyed cake and laughed.

Just a few weeks later, Mom was diagnosed with that damn illness.

In the picture itself, Prince toned down that sexy wardrobe, slicked back his dark hair, and even wore this bright yellow suit. Momma cried when he showed up with florals. Denise and I matched our black dresses with wrist sunflower corsages.

My additional surprise involved a hefty check. My eyes popped, but I wouldn't put this gesture past someone like him, no matter how mysterious our relationship was these past few years. We still knew. No matter what, he'd always have my back.

When my trembling hand finally reached the card from Prince, tears returned. Outside of his music, I'd never read something so profound from him before. I wiped away my sadness praying that droplets wouldn't soak this card altogether.

Angela,

If only I could truly put into words how sorry I am for your loss. She was such a good person. No one deserves that kind of pain, no matter what happens in life. When you first introduced me to her, I finally understood why people love you.

You are her. She is you. She is no longer suffering, but I will always pray that our Creator will keep her close. Take as much space as you need during this difficult time. I'll be here. Healongs doesn't take place overnight.

Your heart deserves peace.

Call me if you need anything.

All my love,

-Prince Rogers Nelson