Black Rose || The Outtakes

Black Rose || Outtake 177

June 1986 – Los Angeles, California (Before "Angel" Breakup)

BRENDA

Prince let me down once more. We couldn't even last one year engaged. Shelia called with news of his typical cheating and I yanked off the diamond ring late last year. Now, Skip continued touring with Parade and even promoted a new movie called "Under The Cherry Moon."

At one point, MTV even launched this fan-contest to give Prince a date. At least that opportunity humbled this man. Someone normal had been given one chance to live out a fantasy with their favorite man. I didn't even feel bitter watching the footage one night. My face could smile for once.

I hadn't spoken to him since pulling the ring and even traded the piece for extra savings money. Honestly, there was no point in keeping jewelry that otherwise triggered pain. Prince and I hadn't spoken since. I knew better than to deal with his foolishness. What man would just disregard marriage like that? Skip had filled me with so much hope, but the wrecking ball just demolished everything I believed. I finally thought we'd be forever.

On the other hand, I buried myself at the studio. Even when a public reputation crumbled outside, I couldn't give up. Dancer Valerie Mitchell among other superstars wanted to observe my failure. My management suggested an overall idea to ignore the chaos surrounding me, but I quietly doubted.

Flashing lights and shouting paparazzi left me drained, but I couldn't break down or even disappearing. Toughing things out had been my option, as I've said. I'd finally release an album in two years and recording progressed. Behind that closed door, I felt important again. My vocals bounced off walls as a producer and engineer cheered me on at last.

While the relationship had grown piece by piece, I trusted Michael so much more now. Even with the drama between myself, him and Prince, I just felt more secure around him. This man had quickly become my best friend. I laughed harder and smiled even more.

Michael crashed at my place almost even night. His excuse involved a lonely condo. Jackson preferred to call my nicknames for the most random shit. "Babe this, babe that." While annoying sometimes, there was no better feeling the world. Someone gave a damn about me so far.

Michael would finally begin recording a follow-up to Thriller in August. and I couldn't resist the smile on my face. We both hustled in the name of music. I could only imagine how the entire world could react. After five years Thriller still prospered at the very least. But I digress.

I've got the stuff that you want.
I've got the thing that you need.
I've got more than enough.
to make you drop to your knees.
'Cause I'm the queen of the night.
The queen of the night.
Oh yeah, Oh yeah, Oh yeah, Yeah...

Whitney wrote a song for me with L.A. Reid and Babyface. Nippy and I met for the first time at the Grammys back in February. We bonded as Jersey girls in one way or another and the collaboration flourished. L.A. and Kenny (Babyface) endured chats with Craig and old man Fred, my main engineer. Rhythms, quality and timing among other factors would occupy these boys as expected.

Meanwhile, Whitney and I huddled in the nearest corner reviewing vocals and lyrics. One of my favorite sessions to date We all even promised to slip this one onto the final album track-list. There was no other choice. Sadly, Michael couldn't even visit that week, but understood. I'd hustled more than ever. If this one released as a single, I'd dominate once more.

__

The Penthouse, California

Baby Girl,

I've missed you so much. Even though we both know work is getting in the way. I'll do anything for you. Please remember that, sweetheart. We'll do anything you want tonight. I love you.

-Mike

I found that note sitting on the nightstand. Michael hadn't returned to my place yet. Only a chime of my elevator in the living room would signal his entrance. Anyhow, I smiled myself for the moment. No one manipulated me anymore. I could wake up in the morning and feel loved during a relationship. No hesitation. In short, at least Michael hadn't fucked up yet.

At the same time, I knew better than to spoil a good thing with my racing emotions. For now, I'd lie in bed and stare up at the ceiling. Any incentive to get dolled-up flew away. I just wanted to curl up in this bed with my best friend. We didn't even need to make love for once. I just...longed for the company.

Just then, the doors chimed open. I'd barely fallen asleep after only minutes passed. Michael didn't even shouted out loud for me to know of his presence. While hiding underneath a fedora, his face peeked into the dim bedroom. I groaned into the nearest pillow after turning onto my stomach. Although I'd missed Jackson, he'd interrupted my sleep. Dammit.

"Okay, I woke up the monster." Michael joked for a second. I threw a pillow straight at him and buried my face once more. Recording today had been fun and draining to say the least. Still, Michael knew that kind of hustle anyway. Even as I grumbled into another pillow, Michael laughed adorably.

I smiled for the millionth time around him.