Black Rose || The Outtakes

Black Rose || Outtake 30

Author's Note: I've read that Jasmine and Michael dated or something during the "Bad" era. Not sure how accurate that material is, but those tidbits seemed interesting and plausible regardless.  Also, Michael's speech in this video choked me right up. Otherwise, enjoy!

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January 1994 – Image Awards

JASMINE GUY

The Queen. Omega. Code names meant nothing. I knew exactly who she was. Headlines unfortunately tarnished her name years ago, but I always respected that woman. Until Rosie Perez hit the scene, I thought no one could touch Brenda Hughes on Soul Train.

We stood right across from each other in these crammed backstage wings, just smiling almost bashfully. The mane of curls surrounding my face almost tickled my forehead as I honestly grinned bigger than expected. She wouldn't stop holding my hands as we admired in each other in this quiet moment.

"You're amazing." Brenda told me. "I still watch A Different World, sweetheart."

"Really?" I asked through laughter. "You watch the show?"

"Yes. You don't think I'm normal?" Brenda questioned awkwardly now. "I will seriously grab a pint of Cookie Dough and watch Dwayne lose his mind."

We broke out high pitched laughter and she loosened the grip on my hands. Just when both of us calmed down, someone cleared their throat behind me. I looked over my shoulder to find Michael chewing his bottom lip. Lust washed over my full existence, and yet I somehow remained composed.

The great Debbie Allen lurked somewhere among this crowd of other famous faces. Michael smiled for Brenda as well as me and excused himself. I suddenly realized that he never introduced himself to Brenda. Maybe they'd already met before.

I shrugged off the ideas racing in my mind and focused on this conversation with a good person. Throbbing below shrunk from importance for now. When I aimed to speak with Brenda once more, a sly grin crept onto her face.

"You okay, Jaz?" she raised an eyebrow.

"No." I admitted, whispering. "Did you see what Michael just did?"

Brenda nodded. "Hell yeah. I think he likes you."

"I haven't seen this man in years and he still makes me feel..." my voice trailed off as I honestly fanned myself. My gaze looked back to see Michael speaking with Debbie. Her slightly aging hand clutched that merited award.

"I'd agree there. He's quite something." Brenda winked.

That wink she offered left me curious. "I'd hate to get personal, but is there's something you're not telling me, Brenda?"

"Maybe. Maybe not." Brenda soon excused herself from me. I prayed that she wouldn't allow this moment to change our initial reaction to one another.

My heels turned in the direction of Brenda's swaying hips. She'd teased men throughout this evening by wearing a black lace gown. Maroon shaded her lips. The short curls I'd always seen on television still dropped around her face. Michel still hid in the corner,

Debbie vanished at some point. I planned to excuse myself from this crowd area, but my eyes fixated on the dark crook Michael stood in right now. At the sight of Brenda, he tensed. Curls in the back of her head shook almost angrily. I didn't know what to think. Brenda almost played match maker for Michael and I just moments ago.

Had they truly dated? Insiders of the business whispered, but I couldn't tell for sure. Neither Brenda or Michael said anything out in the open. At the same time, I remembered hearing that they met a Motown party or something and sparks flew from that point on.

Now, only one question swirled in my mind: Why the hell did they even bicker in public like this? When I faced that corner one last time, they'd disappeared from these backstage wings.

__

The Penthouse, California

BRENDA

"You find me and this shit happens all over again! This isn't the time for romance and know it. People are slandering you for no damn reason. Leave me alone and deal with your problems." I screamed at Michael without shame in the center of my living room.

He stood, completely frozen. His eyes fixated on me. I couldn't avoid that stare no matter what. Yet, my heels backed away slowly on this wooden floor, but he inched closer. My voice shrunk as I failed to keep him away. Dead silence head silence otherwise.

"No." I whispered. "Don't touch me. Leave."

"I don't want to be alone. Please?" Michael barely spoke up now.

"You should've stayed at the award show or something." I answered in a cold way. "Don't drag me into this, Michael."

"I'm not dragging you into anything. I miss you." Michael tried to defend himself

I nearly gasped remembering what happened earlier. "Weren't you flirting with Jasmine tonight?"

Michael squinted. "Hell no. I looked at you the entire time, girl."

"For someone who wants justice, you sure love sleeping with me in the meantime." I mumbled, turning away from him. 

Moonlight reflect off my window. Within seconds, his arms snaked around my body from behind. I somehow didn't protest. My eyes shut at the familiar ease I'd ached for in one way or another.

No one else could match a gentle moment like this. Never did Michael even speak as he turned me around. My arms embraced him tightly as I buried my face so closely into him. Before long, he lifted my chin. Tears clouded his eyes.

Michael choked on his words. "You, Elizabeth and Lisa were some of the only people who  defended me. I love you."

I couldn't disagree.