Human Nature

Chapter 1

May 15th, 1990
Michael was headed to Sony Headquarters in New York to meet with Tommy Mottola. He was to give an update on the progress of his next album, which would be the follow up to Bad. He stretched down to turn on the radio just as the DJs started a current events segment.  Even though he wasn't driving, he focused on the road. Car rides had a way of easing his nerves.

"-And this is a new artist we're playing today named Mariah Carey and this is her first single, 'Vision of Love'."

Michael rolled his eyes. Another one-hit wonder?

There was something about the schmaltzy title of the song that let him know he was in for four minutes of manufactured drivel. He felt like some of the newer acts didn't appreciate the craft the way he did. Music was his entire world. From the day he was born up until now, the only consistency was the art. Still, curiosity got the best of him--he decided to listen to the song and give the new artist a try.

Two minutes into the track and the song was unlike anything he'd heard before. He appreciated the melody and the instrumentation, but it was the build-up to the bridge that truly sold him.

"Woooow." He whispered to himself.

Distracted by the whimsicality of Vision of Love, Michael hardly realized he already arrived at his destination.

He soon pulled into the parking lot behind Sony Headquarters New York and stepped out of the car with his trusty friend and head of security, Bill Bray, trailing him.

He strutted toward the building sporting a red button-down, black Ray-Ban Wayfarers, black skinny jeans, and his signature black penny loafers. His dark black sprawling curls conformed to his face, bringing out the undertones of his complexion.

On his way into the building, Michael found himself humming along to Vision of Love--his mind equally as preoccupied as his mouth.

Thud.

"Woah!" Michael shouted, after a brief collision with a young woman in the middle of the hallway.

"I'm sorry about that, I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking."

The woman stood to her feet, her eyes glued to the ground. "It's o- Michael Jackson?"

Michael grinned.

"That's me."

May 15th, 1990

The young woman looked up in awe--her curls obscuring her startled gaze.

"I am really sorry Mr. Jackson, I should've been paying more attention to where I was-"

"No worries, it's okay," Michael replied. "What's your name?"

She stammered over her words, giddy and embarrassed. "M-Mariah."

He tilted his head to the side. "Mariah Carey?"

She nodded, eagerly. "How did you know?"

"I heard you on the radio on the way here. Your voice is incredible."

Her face burned red-hot. "Thank you, that means a lot coming from you."
"Really?"

"Of course! You're the King of Pop!" She exclaimed she was sure her wide smile sent stalker vibes.

He smiled at her starstruck reaction.

"Well, I have to go before I'm late for my meeting, but uh...I hope I can see you again before I leave New York."

Mariah bit back her smile. "It might be possible. I won't be leaving here for another two hours."

"Well my meeting should be over way before then...maybe we can finish this conversation?"