Human Nature

Chapter 4

May 18th, 1990

Michael and Mariah were entering his hotel room. He noticed that she had become quiet as she looked around the room.

"Is something wrong?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm just thinking."

Michael shrugged. "Alright, make yourself at home. I'm gonna call the concierge and find a place to order from."

Mariah nodded and sank down into the couch. Michael knew something was bothering her, but he couldn't make her tell him if she didn't want to. He dialed the concierge.

"Hello? Concierge."

"Hi, yes I'd like some Chinese food. Do you know of any good delivery places?"

He heard a few flips of paper before she responded. "Mr. K's is one. It has a four star rating."

Michael nodded. "Thank you. Can you give me the number?"

"Of course, sir. 201-555-555."

"Thank you."

He hung up the phone and walked back over to Mariah. She was staring at the wall, still deep in thought.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded again. "Just a little lightheaded."

Michael started to notice that Mariah wasn't just slender, she was gaunt. "When was the last time you ate?"

She laughed. "Yesterday. I told you."

"And what did you have?"

"Remember the salad you got me Wednesday?"

Michael nodded.

"I ate half of it Wednesday night and ate the other half for lunch yesterday."

"Do you not have money for food? If not, I can-"

"No, I'll be fine. Trust me, I will. I just haven't gotten around to grocery shopping yet."

Michael narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "If you say so, so what do you want from the place?"

"What do they have?" She asked.

"I think all Chinese places have the same food."

Mariah nodded slowly. "I don't care. I'll eat anything."

Michael ordered the food and joined her on the couch. "So why haven't you gone grocery shopping?"

Tears began forming in her eyes and he pulled her into a hug. She broke down into a full sob and Michael whispered comforts to her. 

Mariah abruptly broke away and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm fine, I really am."

"Come on, Mariah. Talk to me."

She gave a deep sigh. "Promise me you won't tell anyone."

Michael raised an eyebrow at her.

"You're right. What am I saying? I don't have the money because I gave it to my sister. Everything I had saved up."

Michael frowned again. "What's wrong with your sister?"

"What isn't wrong? She's on drugs, she's a prostitute with two kids and..."

She started crying again and Michael rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. He knew what it was like having family members that acted like leeches. It was draining. What surprised him, was that Mariah was so willing to sacrifice for her sister.