Always || Prince/MJ

Always || Chapter 5

1994

Nicole "Nikki" Foster

"You understand what my mother said, right?" There was another phone call only a few days after Skip left my house. More work just came along as he bridged time between "Come" and "The Gold Experience," but he wouldn't tour until next year.

"Yeah, I wouldn't kick Mayte off payroll unless you decide to perform again." Skip offered this backhand compliment, even though I didn't even record my own music anymore. Since motherhood, my home studio collected real and proverbial dust.

"Can you just keep that girl belly dancing, though? I dare her to watch my old tapes and see me shuffling in heels." I chuckled for a moment and remembered the old days when I could perform without much drama. Skip always knew that I was right.

"Nikki, please don't make me laugh. I know you're better than her in different ways." Skip chuckled on the other line anyway. I could only imagine how Mayte would react if she heard our conversation this time. I rolled my eyes afterwards.

"Nothing against her, but stop gassing her up for no reason, especially since she's not capable of doing what you really want." I offered another bout of truth. Skip grumbled back. I had clearly hit some nerve with him, but wasn't remorseful at all.

"For real though, if life was simple you'd be with me. We could even bring back nannies and take our girls on the road when it's time." It wasn't long before Skip handed out his opinion, but I scrunched my face. There was no other choice now.

"Even if we brought back nannies or Momma helped us, no. I don't trust other people around my girls and you shouldn't either. Remember when that bullshit happened to Mike?" I sighed and cringed. My heart quickly dropped in return.

"Shit. You're right. I'm sorry, Babe. I'm just trying everything and don't know what to do." Skip seemed more and more frustrated as we continued speaking. Another round of silence quickly between us both as I glanced at baby monitors at home.

"I'm proud of you. I haven't even seen my own father in months and you're acting so much better than him with the girls." Just moments later, I then shook my head even though we couldn't see one another. He knew that I was upset this time.

"Has your father even seen our angels in person?" Skip tried to help me smile and mentioned the twins, but my heart ached all over again. Blinking my tears away, I cleared my throat to avoid crying on the telephone, but he recognized my pain.

"Not recently." I wiped away my tears. I wanted to break down about my father , but my daughter couldn't afford that kind of nonsense. It was bad enough that Skip already dealt with the stress of my depression before. He never deserved more.

To be honest, If it wasn't our twins, Renee and Charlotte Nelson, I'd probably die a few years ago.

"Asshole." Skip lowered his voice.

"Now, don't call your goons to kick his ass. This ain't '84." I woke up from my sadness and I warned him back.

"I'd still do it. Just say the word, Nikki. As cold as I've been before, I'd never ignore my grandchildren. He didn't even visit you in the hospital." Skip fumed in return.

"Baby, don't fuss anymore. Go back to the studio." I changed the subject and Skip let it go, at least for now.

____

For the first time in quite a while, I met with someone other than Skip or Michael. It was always good to see more family. My cousin Gail worked as a grade school teacher, was still married to her high school sweetheart, and raised three kids.

Growing up, we were complete opposites in the eyes of our family. I absorbed every piece of music and she read chapter books in total silence. By the time I left home to really begin my career, G already studied Special Ed in graduate school.

"How's my girl?" Gail sat down after hugging me. It was lunchtime that day and I invited her out to each this weekend. Sunlight then beamed overhead as she capped her curls with shades and glanced around, happy to have this time off.

"Can't complain. How are you and Vince doing with the kids?" It wasn't long before I volleyed back my own question. The server already handed over drinks after minutes passed for me and Gail. Her oldest child, a son, wanted to be a musician.

"Ray wants you to mentor him, but I said no. You've still got those twins to worry about. Now, they're in First Grade." Gail swooned and I grinned right back. It was true. For all Skip and I went through, our angels were still growing up way too fast.

"I know. Just think, back in the day I told you that kids might not be part of my future." I whispered, but stopped myself from talking when the meals came in. I barely remember ordering food, but I guessed that time just zipped by these days.

"You also told me that a superstar wouldn't be your husband." Gail winked and had clearly referred to Skip. On the day of my wedding, Gail and I shared our silent "cousin-laughter" at the reception at one point. Skip didn't even notice us then.

"We didn't last long, of course." I stomped myself back into reality. Gail was one of the first people who learned my secret about cheating with Michael. On the other hand, Skip only discovered my own mistake because Tony M wouldn't shut up.

"It's really sad. I've already ranted to you about that whole situation, but at least he forgives you. I know folks out here who'd cut off the spouse and never let them see their kids again." Gail cut her into her meal on the plate. I drank some water.

"We still care about each other, but someone's in the way. Did you see his muse? She's a trained belly dancer and shit, but the girl can't keep up with other eight-counts for nothing." I vented. Gail cackled. We loved to be petty sometimes.

"Wait. Are you talking about that girl from the 7 music video? I loved that song. Vince even learned how to play the guitar tabs for my birthday." Gail bridged her emotions between happiness and realization. I nodded in silence as she understood.

"Mayte Garcia." I cringed and it wasn't long before Gail shook her head. As we continued eating lunch together, she changed the subject. Before I knew it, we actually discussed the chance of me working in show business again I mulled.

"You'd probably fit into the Mary J Blige category now. Your range shifted a lot in ten years, Nik." Despite her educational background, Gail understood music. If it wasn't for life setting different paths, we'd group with my late sister Frankie.

"I know. Back then, Frankie said that my vocals mixed between Stevie and Nina Simone." I smiled, but glanced to face the locket around my neck. There was a childhood picture of me and Frankie protected inside.

"Miss her?" Gail whispered to ask.

"Every day." I hushed in return. G then paid our bill and we went back to normal life.