Black Rose || The Outtakes

Black Rose || Outtake 29

Author's Note: What do you think of Nicole in this flashback chapter? Enjoy!

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1987 – Los Angeles, CA

NICOLE MORETTI

It should've been us. I'd never forget our grade school days of talent shows and dancing outside in the courtyard for everyone. Yet, for almost six years, I've stood right in front of this woman to only spruce up her perfectly chocolate face.

I've never even opened my mouth to sing all this time. As much as I've wanted to hop on the fame train and travel with her, chances of our duo success dwindled the moment Jazzy got pregnant. As giving as their parents were to everyone else, they kept these hesitations whenever I came up in conversation. Racism did not just thrive in the south.

Even during those school talent shows, some not all, teachers questioned our motives. I'd only see Brenda as my musical sister. When the hammer came down between Soul Train or helping to raise precious Anthony, Michelle embraced me until next year and hiked to The Golden State alone. And the rest is obviously history.

Despite the growing openness of times back then, Mama kept me at bay. Worst of all, I allowed her to demote my abilities. She knew about our combined gifts and supported us until Soul Train came up. To this day, I never figured out why. As immigrants, they understood discrimination and accepted her as their own child to an extent.

As an only child, I hung onto her and until she left for college. I somehow found myself in the cosmetic world and sneak my way back into her life before that first episode aired. I'd never seen anyone grin so widely and we almost cried before kicking off work as a team of artist-to-artist.

Now, as we stood in the marble floored room, I spruced her up in the makeup chair as usual. I secretly envied the way her body curved in a short and belted black dress. Matching colored heels strapped around the ankles. Her favorite curls gleamed as brown in the California sun. If completely dark one might her hair to be jet black in some circles.

Brenda finally swayed toward those familiar lenses. Music rumbled with every step and I found myself humming along to that blasting stereo. From this back angle, I felt like the shadow again. Almost forgotten. Always nearby Kelly and Reggie perched up against the nearest wall as Brenda shook hands with a photographer. His burgundy vest stood out in my eyes as he looped the overpriced camera around his neck.

Across the way, I noticed Kelly with folded arms. Blonde tresses fell around her clean face. She'd been standing proudly in that pantsuit ever since this morning, but jetlag clearly stained her hazel eyes. With one heel perched up onto this wall, she fidgeted honestly.

I didn't know what to think, but discreetly moved toward her among the camera flashes. My eyes could only wink to Brenda along this direction. Reggie busied himself on the phone.

"What's wrong, Kel?" I asked, trying to smile.

"I don't know what to do." she mumbled over the bass. "I'm supposed to make her a superstar, but that Soul Trian bullshit killed us. Brenda can't keep doing the same things and I know heard her yelling this morning, Nick."

I honestly shrugged. Press statements and even clearing the air with Oprah fixed absolutely nothing. I couldn't even offer advice to her or Reggie for that matter. Before long, a familiar face entered the room and snuck right behind our woman of the hour.

The photograph ate up every bit of the cuteness before our eyes. Brenda aimlessly went along with the movements of a male figure behind her, not turning around just yet. I guess she knew, but wanted to savor the anticipation.

But the moment she did turn around, I'd never heard anyone scream so loudly. Make-up smeared as joyful tears dripped from her eyes. It had been only a month since Michael left for Japan, but I'd never seen anyone react so lovingly. Applause echoed throughout the marble room. Fixing makeup had been the last chore on my mind right now. B loved him so much.

Ugly crying wouldn't even begin my reaction at this moment. I lowered my head to wipe away tears and watched them embrace. Michael held onto the back of her head, tangling the short curls with a large hand. I chewed my bottom lip, sadly anticipating the end. They couldn't hug forever.

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The Penthouse

MICHAEL

The photographer allowed Baby Girl to keep that dress. Such a turn on. Every time she turned around, Brenda laughed shyly.

"What are you looking at?" she asked me, taking off her heels.

"You." I sat next to her at the end of our bed. My body scooted until our legs touched. She looked so good, but I remained composed. "I've missed you so much."

"Me too, baby." Brenda grinned sweetly.

I blushed at the sound of that nickname. Even if I've heard it thousands of times before. Just when I planned to say anything else, she kissed me. Again, I felt intoxicated when she pulled away after holding my arm.

"You're so perfect." I whispered, holding that face.

Brenda rolled her eyes, but smiled. "No, I'm not. I'm just happy you're here." I nodded in silence and kissed her cheek. There was no better feeling in the world.