Mariah's POV
I was at the studio recording for my new album. Trey and Billy D, my background singers, were walking out with me, laughing and singing.
"Baby, it's all in your miiiiiiind," I sang as we stepped outside.
"Miiiiine," Trey sang in a deep voice, and we all burst out laughing.
"Alright, same time tomorrow?" Billy asked.
"Yeah," I said, and we went our separate ways.
I decided to grab something to eat before heading home.
"Taxi!" I called, waving one down.
The driver stopped, and I climbed in. "Take me to Santalino's, please," I said.
When we arrived, I paid and headed inside. It was late, so there were only about five people in the restaurant.
"Hi, welcome to Santalino's. Take a seat anywhere and your waiter will be with you shortly," the host said.
I nodded and found a table.
While waiting, my attention shifted to the woman singing on the small stage. No one else seemed to be paying her much attention.
You're just too good to be true
I can't take my eyes off you
You'd be like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
"Wow," I whispered to myself.
At long last, love has arrived
And thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
I can't take my eyes off you
She glanced over at me, and our eyes locked. I smiled, and she smiled back before continuing her song.
"Ma'am, have you decided what you'd like tonight?" the waiter asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Yes, I'll have the pasta," I said.
"And something to drink?"
"Just a glass of water."
"Alright, your order will be out shortly."
A few minutes passed, and my food arrived. I ate quietly, still thinking about the singer. When I finished, the staff began closing up, but I stayed behind. I needed to meet her.
"Excuse me," I said, getting a waitress's attention.
"Yes?"
"Do you know where the woman who was singing went?"
"She's back there," she said, pointing backstage.
"Thank you," I said, hurrying back.
I checked every room with no luck. Finally, I stepped outside through the back door, and there she was.
"Hey!" I called, jogging toward her.
She turned. "Can I help you?"
"I just wanted to tell you how amazing you were tonight," I said.
"Thank you. I saw you out there," she replied.
I smiled, then froze as recognition hit me. "Wait... Lauryn?"
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Author's POV
Lauryn was Mariah's high school sweetheart. They had dated all the way through twelfth grade, deeply in love. Every year, they were crowned king and queen. But Lauryn was involved in dealing drugs, and she did not want to ruin Mariah's future. So she left without explanation, believing it was the only way.
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Mariah's POV
"Mariah?" she said.
We ran into each other's arms.
Tears filled my eyes as I held her. I never understood why she left or why she never called. She just disappeared. My breathing shook, and she loosened her grip as we pulled apart.
"Are you crying?" she asked softly.
I looked at her. "Why did you leave me?"
She opened her mouth to answer, but I cut her off.
"I never knew what love was until I met you. You were my whole world, and you left me like I meant nothing," I said as tears streamed down my face.
"Mari—"
I pushed her away.
"I hate you," I said, staring straight into her eyes before turning and running off.
"Mariah, wait!" she shouted.
But I was already gone.
