Destiny || Prince/MJ

Destiny || Chapter 17

1988

Michael Jackson

"You're not gonna believe what just happened." Just hours after my show ended, I called up Prince. He was on another one of his own tours now and wasn't able to visit my concerts yet, so we kept in touch by phone. The press wouldn't report about this part of our friendship. I knew. 

As I've said, Prince and I weren't best friends, but our middle ground was actually Nicole at this point. To be honest, I then tried to stay in the loop ever since she left show business two years ago. Her life had shifted in ways that I'd never imagine.

In the end, any useless drama that I spewed before about Nicole's marriage to Prince no longer mattered. No matter how upset I felt earlier, I'd never throw Nicole under the bus at a time like this. Only fools would stoop low enough to hurt others.

"What?" It wasn't long before Prince cleared his throat and answered me on the other line. Shaking my head, I returned to my reason for calling in the first place. Everyone in the entourage slept soundly tonight, but insomnia kept my eyes open.

"I fired Tatiana because she kissed me onstage." You'll see pictures and footage in the press tomorrow." I sighed out, revealing what happened during this show in New York. As I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind recalled and I soon cringed.

"Was that idea at least rehearsed?" Prince volleyed the obvious question. I completely understood his need for clarity at this point. Practicing wouldn't hurt anything, but I never expected Tatiana to offer that particular curveball. Not at all.

"No. She just went for it, but I've already said countless times that we shouldn't kiss." I sighed once more, still frustrated that Tatiana didn't listen. Of course, we weren't children anymore, but I just wasn't that comfortable kissing complete strangers, even if we were friends until this evening. She should've respected it.

"Wow. I would've done the exact same thing, though. You had every right to fire her. If rules aren't followed, then folks should deal with the consequences." Prince offered his advice. I nodded back, even though we couldn't see one another. He was rigid like me on the subject of professionalism. At least we matched there.

"You ain't lying. Now, how's Nicole holding up? I couldn't imagine losing someone that way, even if it's been two years." I then changed our subject before long and asked about Nicole. Of course, she hadn't called me on her own in quite a while.

"She's doing a lot better, actually. Thanks for asking, man." Prince must've smiled in person while speaking to me on the phone. It was rare to hear such a joyful inflection form someone like him. At least in my experience as we knew each other.

"How would you describe her feelings on a scale from one to ten?" I still tried to figure out Nicole without crossing the line. It wasn't my place to ask many questions, but not hearing from her this time around still worried me now.

"She's been out in public and just started working again, but don't expect too much." Prince sighed back, most likely aggravated by this point. I always understood that everyone grieved differently, but she couldn't let Prince talk for her. It wasn't fair. Nicole was independent and Prince actually sounded controlling.

"I'd hate to be that nagging guy, but why are you speaking on her behalf? It's been too long and I haven't spoken to Nicole." I cleared my throat, trying not to yell out loud during this late hour. Of course, this beautiful hotel deserved peace at night.

"She's not feeling well. Good night, Mike." Prince hung up the phone.

______

Just a few weeks later, I found out the truth about Nicole while flipping through television channels one night. I'd finished another show on tour. My insomnia had kicked in once again, leaving me no choice but to stay bored in one way or another.

"Hello and thank you for tuning in. We've got breaking news tonight. Superstar Prince and fellow musician Nikki Foster are expecting their very first child! Congrats to the happy couple." This suited newscaster read off his teleprompter with a smile.

Nicole's pregnant? I thought to myself.

Being the better person, I sent out gifts for the baby anyway. Acting bitter towards someone who didn't love me wouldn't make sense. Nicole had already found someone else, even if that man was still my so-called rival in the press.

"Surprise." Prince showed up to visit backstage with Nicole during another concert. We all shared greetings and of course, Prince kept his eye on me while Nicole and I chatted at the time. I would've done the same if I were in this particular situation.

"Boy or girl?" Between sips of water, I whispered, still hoping that nosy people actually wouldn't say something to the tabloids. Prince smiled, but looked over his shoulder and watched Nicole. These two traded quiet glances. I waited for more.

"Twins." Prince winked.

As I spit out my water, Nicole said goodbye too and left this building with her husband.